The state of church-affairs in this island of Great Britain under the government of the Romans and British kings

THE STATE OF CHURCH AFFAIRS IN THIS ISLAND UNDER THE Romans and British KINGS Before the Coming of St. AUGUSTINE.

THe Britains, who were the first known Inhabi∣tants of this Island, were led blind-fold by their blind Guides the Druides into the most perni∣cious Idolatry, and by Them instructed in Rites and Ceremonies most horribly Impious and In∣humane, so as this Island at that time might be truly esteem'd the School and Nursery of Devilish and Barbarous Mysteries, and the miserable In∣habitants no other then Bond-slaves and Cap∣tives to Satan, the common enemy of mankind. Julius Caesar first discover'd this our Island to the more Civiliz'd World, and made some little Entrance into it, for the All∣conquering Romans to proceed by Degrees in the more ample Conquest of it. It was indeed a Happy Conquest to those wretched Britains, occa∣sioning their Redemption from the Bondage of the Devil, and bringing in

so great Knowledge and illustrious Light amongst them, that this our Island soon became the School of True Religion and Virtue, the Nursery of Saints, and Refuge of Persecuted Christians. This Entrance of Caesar's was before the Birth of our Blessed Saviour, which happened not until the 43d. year of Augustus, when Cunobelin is said to Reign, who is likewise said to be the Son of Cassibelaun, whose Seat was Camolodunum, now Maldon in Essex.

The Romans made little advantage of this beginning of Caesar's, until the time of the Emperour Claudius, who by Aulus Plantius his General, In∣vaded this Island with a great Army, and soon after in his own Person, and by his said General prosecuted the War more vigorously; Insomuch, as not long after, Caractacus, a Prince Renown'd amongst the Britains, being perfidiously yet betray'd by some of them, was with his Wife and Daughter sent Prisoners to Rome, where his Noble and Generous Carriage was such, as procur'd wonder from his Spectaters, and obtain'd Favour, Respect and Compassion from the Emperour: By this time, through the dissention of the Britains, the Romans got good footing in this Island, but met with a dis∣mall check from Boadicea a British Queen, whom they provok'd by their Cruelty and Avarice; who yet was at last crush'd by the Invincible Power of the Romans.

What little glimmering of Learning or Knowledge the Britains in those days had, dropt only from the Lips of their Druids and Bards, they were Priests and Prophets to that be-wildred People; by Them they were taught what Deities to Worship, and with what execrable Rites, they were to Worship them: Their Principal Gods were Belinus, Baal or Bel; Diana or the Moon; Camulus or Mars; Andate, or Adraste, whom Boadicea is Record∣ed to have invok'd, when her last Battle was shaken by the Roman Forces, with a number more of petty Dieties, which the Land of Egypt, (the very Fountain of Theology) never thought of; and yet Caractacus before-men∣tion'd, in gratitude for his release from Captivity, and Restitution to his Throne, consecrated a new Altar to his Royal Benefactor the Emperour of Rome, which he erected in Cama'odunum, with this Inscription, The Altar of Eternal Domination, and might indeed have greater Obligations to this his Mortal Deity, then to any of his Antient (Falsly) called Gods, which he and the rest of the Britains had so long Ador'd with Unmanly and Slavish Superstition, as they were directed by their blind Priests and Druides; For, they order'd both publick and private Sacrifices, they dispens'd Rewards and Punishments, determin'd all Controversies; and who ever refus'd to obey their Decrees, were forbidden to be present at the Sacrifices, and consequently were avoided and abandon'd, as most Impious and detestable persons.

Most of their Rites and Ceremonies were vain and foolish, such as they used in gathering of Mistletoe from the Oak, to which they ascrib'd great Virtue, but many of them Barbarous and Excerable; by which to Divine of future Events they would make their Altars flow with Humane Blood, and consult their Cruel Gods by searching into Entrails of Innocent Men; Insomuch as Claudius himself, (though a Heathen,) thought fit by rigorous Edicts to Interdict this Execrable Religion to his Romans, but could not weed it out of the Hearts of the Besotted Britains. But what the Authority of the Roman Emperours could not effect, the Power of Almighty God soon brought to pass, sending a new Caelestial Light to dissipate that more than Egyptian Darkness, wherein this our Country had been so long involv'd.

This our Island, (though divided from the rest of the World,) yet per∣ceiv'd the bright Beams of the Sun of Righteousness to dawn in it, sooner then many other Countries nearer approaching to that place where this ever Blessed Sun arose. If we may believe our Antient Gildas, This day Star sprung from on high, visited us soon after the Assension of our Saviour, toward the end of the Reign of Tiberius Caesar; by which this Antient Historian might mean, at least, that about that time many zealous Apostolical per∣sons were then in preparation for their Journey into Britain, though per∣haps it might be before they could arrive hither; The Attestation of other Credible Writers to this of our Gildas, may induce us to believe without any violence to our Reason, that the Zeal of some Primitive Christians might very early carry them as far as this our Country, to divulge the Blessed Tidings of Salvation, then forthwith to be Preach'd indifferently to all Na∣tions; and likely to be most welcom to them; Two great advantages these forward Missioners had for their Entrance into this Island, to which a way was open'd bythe Roman Conquest.

1st. The coming of St. Peter at that time from Antioch to Rome.

2dly. The being of Caractacus with his Queen, Brethren and Family, and consequently a multitude of Attendants then at Rome. The former is attest∣ed by Eusebius and others, with the intent of St. Peter's coming thither, in pursuit of Simon Magus, and to take his Apostolical Chair in the Metropo∣lis and principal City of the Roman Empire, from whence the Christian Doctrine might be the more easily dispers'd over the whole World. The latter is confirm'd by Learn'd Writers, and in particular that a Noble British Virgin, either Attendant to Caractacus, (or as some say, his Daughter,) be∣came a Disciple to St. Peter, and by her Virtue and Christian Piety, prov'd a more Illustrious Ornament to our Country, than Caractacus himself by his Heroick Magnanimity; This Lady, it may seem, after Married Rufus a Noble Roman, and chang'd her British Name into Claudia Ruffina after the Roman Dialect, and was the same which Martial so highly Celebrates in a short Epithalamium upon her Marriage, with one he calls Pudens, who by Tradition, is said to have Entertain'd St. Peter in his House, which was after erected into a Church: True it is, St. Paul in his 2d. Epistle to Timo∣thy sent to him from Rome, (amongst other Salutations,) joynes Pudens and Claudia. And a late Learned Writer hath demonstrated out of Antiquity, that this our Claudia Ruffina sprang from the Royal Blood of Britain, and was the Wife and Mother of Glorious Saints. And our Antient Histories report that Timotheus the Eldest Son of Pudens, came into this our Island, and Converted many to the Faith, and at least dispos'd King Lucius to his succeeding Conversion; And the reason of such his coming hither might be, the Love and regard he had to his Mother a British Lady.

It is pretended that Pomponia Graecina the Wife of Plantius General of the Army under Claudius in this Island, was a Christian and Devout Saint; but this may be doubtful, though it be clear by Tacitus, that she was Accus'd of a strange Religion forbidden by the Roman Laws, which might be the Christian Religion, to the knowledge whereof she might attain by her Ac∣quaintance with Claudia Ruffina. But we have more unquestionable Records of one Mansuetus, Companion of St. Clemens, which Mansuetus was a Nor∣thern Britain, who went to Rome either with Adminius, a Prince of Britain, or Bericus a Nobleman thereof, or as Attendant upon Caractacus, where the said Mansuetus might be Converted by St. Peter, and be by him consti∣tuted

Bishop of Toul in Lorrain, upon a Miracle by him done, in restoring to Life and Health a Son of the Governour of that City, whose said Son fell down from a high Tower; the effect of which Miracle was the Conversion of the said Governour, his whole Family, and a great number of his Citizens; Insomuch, as after the word had a free course, not only in that City, but in the Country thereabouts, Priests were Ordain'd, and a Church erected, and Consecrated to the Holy Trinity.

About this time, one Beatus of this Island, was converted to the Christian Faith, and went to Rome for further instruction therein by S. Peter, and after became the Apostle of the Helvetians, and dy'd amongst them, illustri∣ous for his exemplary Piety, and great Miracles.

Thus early did it please God to enlighten this our native Country with his Divine Truth, and to transform the Barbarous Inhabitants thereof into Apostles, and Messengers of Salvation to other Countries also. And as it appears by antient Monuments, it pleas'd our good God to send his Prime Apostle S. Peter into this Island, to establish and confirm what other Per∣sons (though of great Honour and Holiness) had begun, yet for want of the Episcopal Character could not establish Order and Government in this new planted Church, as the Apostles could, and did do.

Unquestionable antient Authors have Recorded, that when the World was divided by Lott amongst the Apostles; the West became the Portion of S. Peter, and that from Rome he came to Britain, and made a long abode there, constituting Churches, and ordaining Priests and Deacons; this Truth has been confirm'd by many Holy and Primitive Popes, by many of our British and Saxon Kings, by the Vision of S. Peter to Edward the Con∣fessor; Nay, our late King James the First of ever Blessed Memory, did not doubt in a publick Audience, to affirm, that Rome was the Mother of all Churches. In what particular year this coming of S. Peter was, is not easie to determine; whether upon the Emperour Claudius's Edict to Banish all Jews from Rome, or in the beginning of Nero's Reign, is doubtful; But that he was absent from Rome when S. Paul wrote his Epistle to the Ro∣mans, is more than probable, since he omitted S. Peter out of his Salutations. Certainly, a freer scope was allow'd in this Island at that time for Divine Verities, than in other places.

First, Because Nero's Persecution never extended hither.

Secondly, For that the power of the Romans here was a little limited by the British Princes, who were at least civil to Christians.

Thirdly, The great distance betwixt Rome and this Island, as may appear by the quiet and un-interupted solitude of Glastonbury, where was erected the first School of Contemplation, and which continu'd the glorious Habitati∣on of a World of Saints, even to late years.

It may be found in a very antient Author, who Writes of Church Affairs, in the first Century, that he mentions the exaltation of the British Church under Nero, adding that many Churches were built in this Island by S. Peter; and it is agreed of on all hands, that the cruelty of Nero towards the Christians, drove S. Paul out of Rome, even as far Westward as Britain, where, though he was had in high Veneration, yet we never read that the Church here planted was called the Seat of St. Paul, but often the Chair of St. Peter; Insomuch as Gildas inveighing against some of the British Clergy in his time, tells them, They usurp'd the Chair of St. Peter with impure feet; Thereby intimating that the whole Ecclesiastical Order here, receiv'd their Original

Priesthood by a right Succession from St. Peter. Howbeit our English Mar∣tyrology deservedly reckons St. Paul among the Apostles of Britain: And so was Aristobulus also, one of the 70 Disciples, and a Follower of St. Paul, Or∣dain'd a Bishop here, and here also dy'd a Martyr in the second year of Nero, or at least a Confessor in his very Old Age, after he had spent some time in Solitude at Glastonbury, the common Retiring place of many Emi∣nent Saints. It was certainly meant by St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans, when he Salutes the Houshold of Aristobulus, omitting him, being then ab∣sent in this Country, or in his Journey towards it.

This progress had the Gospel in this Island before the Death of St. Peter or St. Paul, and was mightily advanc'd by the coming of Joseph of Arimathea and his Companions, about the end of Nero's Reign, making up the num∣ber of Twelve Persons with himself, one of which Twelve is said to be his Son of his own Name: The coming and Preaching of Joseph and his Com∣panions hath been publickly alledg'd in several General Councels by the English Orators, as an Argument of Precedence in those Councels, taken from the early approach of the Gospel to this Nation; and further affirm'd by other Antient Records, and especially by that Illustrious Charter of King Henry the II. to the Abbey of Glastonbury, signifying his intention to Re∣build that Monastery, not long before Consum'd by Fire; and to renew all the Priviledges confer'd on it by his Predecessors King William the I. and II. and by more Ancient Kings St. Edgar the Father of St. Edward, King Edmond and his Father, Edward and his Grand-father Alfred, by King Brithwald, Hentwyn, Baldred, Ina, the famous King Arthur, Cantred and many other Christian Kings; and even by Kenwalla a Pagan King of Britain: And fur∣ther affirming, that he the said Henry the II. caus'd a diligent Inquisition to be made of the said Charters and Priviledges, which were presented and Read in his Presence, all which he Confirm'd and Renew'd to the same Church, antiently stil'd, The Mother and Tomb of Saints, because it had been Built by the immediate Disciples of our Lord, and to him Dedicated, as Venerable Antiquity doth testifie: All which consider'd, to deny so great a Blessing confer'd on our Nation, must savour of Passion and un-excusable Partiality.

The time and occasion of St. Joseph's Arrival here, and the particular Acts of him and his Companions, after so many years of change and alteration, cannot befully accountable: The time in all likelihood, was when Suetonius Paulinus was Pretor here, and when Policletus Favourite to Nero came hither with his Retinue; the occasion of his coming is less certain; Some write that St. Joseph was sent hither by St. Philip the Apostle or Evangelist, grounding their opinion from Procalphius who speaks little to that purpose: Tradition informs us, that St. Joseph at his first coming Address'd himself to Arviragus, then King of the Britains, and said to be the Founder of the University of Oxford, by the help of an Augur or Prophet named Olenus Calenus, from whom it was first called Calena: And although Arviragus did not submit to the Doctrine of St. Joseph, yet he gave him leave to publish it in Peace; so well was he prepar'd to the Entertainment of Divine Truth, by humane Education: Nay, he was also pleas'd to afford Joseph and his Companions a place of Retreat, not only commodious for their Devotions, but sufficient for their Sustenance; call'd by the Britains the Glassey-Island, or Avallonia, in which certain Lands were alloted, both by Arviragus and his Son Marius, containing about 12 Hydes for the Nourishment of those Godly persons; being the first of ground in this Island Dedicated to the Service of God, and after called Godney.

The first thing these new Inhabitants undertook, was to build and Con∣secrate a Church for the Worship of God; which they Dedicated to the Honour of the most Blessed Virgin Mary: And as is affirm'd amongst other things relating to Glastonbury Monastery, in an Epistle of St. Patrick, who died there, was Consecrated Miraculously by our Blessed Lord himself, to the Honour of his Mother: This wonderful Consecration is more fully de∣clar'd by the Testimony of the Illustrious Bishop of St. David, the Extir∣pator of Pelagianisme out of Britain; as hath been Collected out of the Antiquities of Glastonbury by Williàm of Malmsbury, to this effect following. That St. David with other Bishops coming to Glastonbury, invited by the Sancti∣ty of the place; resolv'd to Consecrate the Church there, formerly erected to the Honour of the Mother of God; and having provided all things necessary for that purpose, the night before his intended Ceremony; our Blessed Lord ap∣pear'd to St. David in his sleep, and demanded the cause of his coming thither, which St. David forthwith declar'd; whereupon our Lord taking him by the Hand, told him, That he himself many years before had Dedicated the said Church to the Honour of his Mother, and that That Holy Ceremony was not to be Pro∣fain'd by any mans repeating: And having said this, with his Finger pierc'd through the Bishops Hand; telling him this should be a sign, that what himself had formerly Anticipated, ought not again to be Renew'd; and withall promis'd him, that when the said Bishop the next day at the Canon of the Mass should pronounce the words, Per ipsum, & cum ipso, & in ipso••••, His Hand should be restor'd sound to him: The Bishop awaking, found his Hand pierc'd; and others saw and touch'd the Wound with great Admiration; and the Preparation for the Consecration was laid aside; and during the Celebration of Mass, the Bishops Hand became Sound.

The sum of what hath hitherto been here related, is repeated by St. Au∣gustine the Convertor of our Nation in an Epistle of his to St. Gregory the Great, and by Copgrave in the Life of St. Joseph; and is further testify'd by an Antient Inscription cut in Brass, fasten'd to a Pillar in the same Church, declaring in effect what hath been said already: This Inscription is record∣ed by Sir Henry Spelman in his Collection of Councels, and yet by him pre∣tended to be Fabulous.

First, He doubts whether any Christian Churches were Erected so early. Which doubt is certainly groundless, unless he mean such Magnificent Structures as have been built since Christianity hath been publickly cherish'd and countenanc'd; but that even under the Harrows of Persecution the Chri∣stians made shift to Erect or Assign places to meet in, and perform the Rites and Duties of Religion, is Attested by all Ecclesiastical Histories.

Secondly, If Churches were Built, yet they were not Encompass'd with ground for Burial before St. Cuthbert's time; Burial within Cities being for∣bidden by the Roman Laws. Sure this is a false conceit, for King Ethel∣bert and his Bishop St. Augustine before St. Cuthbert's days, were Buried in the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul at Canterbury. Constantine the first Christian Emperour, was buried amongst the Relicks and Bones of the Apostles and Martyrs: And as for the Roman Law forbidding Burials in Cities, it was antiquated long before this; however Glastonbury was no City, scarce a Village, rather a Desart far from Rome, and under the Do∣minion of Brittish Princes, well-wishers to Christianity, and the simplicity thereof in those days.

Thirdly, Dedication of Churches was not then in use: Doubtless many Ce∣remonies and Solemnities have been added by the Church, but as certainly the Houses, or Places which the most Primitive Christians assigned for the Worship of God, were by some Ceremonies Dedicated to that use; as by erecting a Title, fixing a Cross, &c. as the most antient Records testifie.

But lastly, That which most displeases Sir Hen. is the Dedication of this Church to the Blessed Virgin, for he thinks such a kind of Devotion, was not thought of until many Ages after; but then he must forget the Tra∣dition of Spain, attested in all their Liturgies, and many of their Councils, that from the first entrance of Christianity into that Kingdom, several Churches have been erected to the Honour of that Blessed Virgin; witness that most Famous Temple at Saragosa, called Dell Pilar, Celebrated above 1000 years since, by St. Maximus Bishop of that City, in several Hymns by him composed, in Honour of that Venerable House, called Angelical, be∣cause the Pillar on which the Virgins Statue was fixed, is thought to be brought thither by the Ministery of Angels.

After the Death of Arviragus, Marius his Son succeeds him in the Brittish Throne, resembling his Father, as in Courage, and other Prince-like Vir∣tues; so also in his kindness to these holy Strangers. This Marius is reported to have had a great Victory over the Picts, who were doubtlesly no other than the Northern Britains then unconquered, and consequently unciviliz'd by the Romans, but who remaining in their Barbarous custom of painting their Bodies, got a new name of Picts.

After the Death of this Marius, in the Reign of Coilus his Son, our St. Joseph is said to end his Labours and Mortality, in the 82 of our Lord, and second year of the Reign of the Emperour Titus. After the Death of Nero, Cruel to himself, his own Mother, the poor Christians, and indeed to all Mankind, and the barbarous extinguisher of those two most Glorious Lights then shining in the World St. Peter and St. Paul; the Family of the Caesars failing, four Emperours were set up and pulled down within the space of two years, Vespasian only excepted, who becoming Conquerour, at last settled the Empire and restored Peace; The Romans in Britain were unconcern'd in these Broils, and were well affected to Vespasian, who by his Deputy Frontinus, placed a Legion in Caerleon.

St. Joseph after a Solitary Life led at Glastonbury, where he seems to In∣stitute a Monastical Profession with his said Companions, and such other Holy Persons as his and their Labours had Converted to the Faith, Died their about the said 82 year of our Lords Incarnation, and was Buried at Glastonbury, as his Companions also were, in or near the Church Built by him; where since innumerable Converts and Christians have been Interred: It is thought the Body of this Renowned Saint was deposited in a Cave, over which a Chappel was after Built to his Honour, as this Epitaph there found imports.

Ad Britones veni post quam Christum Sepelivi. Dorni requievi.

His Reliques not having been discover'd, some Devout persons in the days of Edward the III. obtain'd leave to search for them: The Patent for that purpose is yet extant to this effect.

That a supplication having been made by John Blome of London, wherein he affirms, that he had received a command from Heaven, diligently to seek till

he could find the Body of the Noble Councellor Joseph of Arimathaea, which reposes in Christ within the limits of Glastonbury Monastery, and which for the Saints Honour was to be discover'd in those times. And for that it appear'd by Antient Records that his Body was there buried: The said King, if so, desirous to bestow due Honours to the Monument and Venerable Reliques of him, who exprest so great Piety and Charity to our dying Redeemer, that he took his Body from the Cross, and plac'd it ina New Monument which he had built for himself, and hoping that by the revealing of his Holy Reliques greater Grace and Favour should be shew'd by God to him and his Kingdom; did give and grant permission, as much as in him lay, to the said John Blome to dig where he should find it expedient with∣in the precincts of the said Monastery, in order to the searching out of the said precious Reliques, according to the Injunction and Revelation made unto him, provided he did it with the consent of the Abbot, and without prejudice to the Monastery. What was found upon this search doth not appear, but the Piety and Devotion of the King may be easily collected.

The same Monuments which inform us of the Life, Death and Burial of St. Joseph at Glastonbury, as an unquestionable Tradition in all Ages, agreed unto by Britains, Saxons, Danes and Normans; do likewise testifie, That he brought with him into Britain two Silver Vessels fill'd with the Blood of our Saviour Christ, which were buried with him in his Tomb; Several Proofs hereof were extant even to the days of Queen Elizabeth; amongst others the Narration of William Good a Jesuit, who was born in the Reign of Henry the 8th. and bred up in his Childhood at Glastonbury, and affirms, That in his time certain Brass-plates were Engraven to perpetuate the memory of these things, as also Chappels, Grots, Crosses, Arms, and the observation of the Festival of St. Joseph on the sixth of the Calends of August, which remain'd as long as the Monks enjoy'd the Charters of their Munificent and Royal Bene∣factors, but are now buried in the ruines of the place. He confesseth, never any Monk knew the certain place of this Saints Sepulcher: The common report was, it was extreamly deep under ground, somewhere in or about Hambden∣hill; but when ever the Saints Body shall be found, multitudes would resort to it, invited with the great and innumerable Miracles which should be there wrought: He remembers, to have seen upon a Stone-Cross, which was demo∣lish'd in Queen Elizabeth's days, a Plate of Brass, on which was written: That in the 30th. year after the Passion of our Lord, Joseph of Arimathaea with 11 or 12 Companions came into Britain, and were permitted by King Arvi∣tagus to abide at Glaston then called Avallonia, like Solitary men; and that he brought with him two small Silver Vessels of the Sacred Blood and Water which flow'd out of Christ's side after his death. And that a Cross was there Erected many years before, to shew the length of the Chappel which St. Joseph built of wailed Roddes of the most Holy Virgin, on the out-side of the Wall of which Chappel were Engraven in Antient Characters JESUS MARIA.

There were then other Remarks and Footsteps of these Truths to be there found: Now that St. Joseph and Nicodemus also, with due veneration ga∣ther'd the Blood of our Lord, which for many Ages was Piously Worshiped by Devout Christians both in the East and West, is testified by divers An∣tient Histories and Martyrologies; and to this purpose it is remarkable what Matthew Paris hath related in the year of our Lord God 1247. Name∣ly, That then the Master of the Temple and Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem sent a certain portion of the Blood of our Lord shed upon the Cross, in a most Beautiful Christal Glass, by a Brother of the Temple; which Present was con∣firm'd

by the then Patriarch of Jerusalem, by Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and other Prelates and Noblemen then dwelling in the Holy-Land: The said Historian further declaring at large, With what Honour and Reverence this Holy Treasure was entertain'd by King Henry the III. and his whole Clergy and Nobility.

And at the same time (to give satisfaction to doubting Minds,) Robert Grosthead Bishop of Lincoln, the Glory of that Age for Piety and Learning, affords us a large Narration of the Fact, to the effect following: That Joseph of Arimathaea a Noble Councellour, and one of the Hearers of Jesus, or his Disciple rather, out of tender compassion, was very sollicitous how his venerable Body might be preserv'd from the rage of the Jews; Howbeit, both He and Nicodemus and other rich men, though most cordial Lovers of Jesus, yet conceal'd their Affection for fear of their Estates; Nevertheless when Jesus was Crucify'd, Joseph went boldly to Pilate and beg'd the Body of Jesus, and by Pilat's permission (notwithstanding the murmuring of the Jews) with all due Honour and Reverence took down the most Holy Body from the Cross, all man∣gled and bloody, and with a fine Linnen-cloath Devoutly and carefully wip'd the Sacred Wounds as yet moist and distilling, and having drawn the Nails out of the Wounds he wip'd and cleans'd them at the Cross, and then carrying the Body from Golgotha, he laid it in a new Tomb where never any body had been laid; and which was decently cut out of a Rock, as provided and intended for Joseph himself. But before our Saint would bury the Body, he wash'd it, for it was cover'd with Blood. First, in regard of his late Bloody-Sweat. Se∣condly, by reason of his Cruel Scourging. Thirdly, The pressing of a Crown of Thorns upon his Head. Fourthly, The Nails in his Hands and Feet. Lastly, The Souldiers Spear which did not only Wound, but open a wide passage into his side. Joseph also wash'd this Sacred Body in order to the Embalming of it: He wash'd it (saith Grosthead) with an in∣tention and Religions design to appropriate the same Blood to his own devout use, as a most precious Treasure and Medicine for his Soul: The Water tinctur'd with the Blood, he would not cast away, but kept it in a clean Vessel; and the pure Blood distilling from the Wounds of his Hands and Feet, he reserv'd with more Reverence; But above all, with more then ordinary Devotion and Holy Fear he receiv'd into a most precious Vessel, the Blood mix'd with Water, which he carefully press'd out of his Right side; and which he judg'd to issue from his Heart; This he esteem'd a Treasure invaluable, to be reserv'd for himself and his Successours: This was the Discourse, and these the Sentiments of that Ve∣nerable Prelate, upon the fore-mention'd occasion.

It may seem strange, that Joseph accounting this Blood so inestimable a Treasure, should yet ordain it to be put into the Grave with him, as it is said he did; He may be thought to do it, least in such a time when Paga∣nism prevail'd, the Holy Relick might be Profan'd; and if Christianity ever came to be uppermost, Devout Christians might know whither to re∣sort for it; or perhaps he might have the same design with the Emperour Constantine, who carefully collected the Relicks of the Apostles, and after they were richly adorn'd, commanded they should be laid up in his Tomb; To the end (as Eusebius tells us) that being dead, he might be made partaker of the Prayers, which there in Honour of the Apostles should be offer'd unto God.

After the death of S. Joseph, S. Phagan succeeded in the Prefecture of this Holy Place, and continu'd in it about 30 years, and under him and other his Successors, who enjoy'd the Possessions bestow'd upon them by the British

Kings, a Monastical Conversation was upheld, until the Reign of King Lucius, at which time the publick Preaching of the Gospel, was not only permitted, but encourag'd: So as these Holy men in all likelihood were in∣vited, and by Charity compell'd to leave God for God, to forsake their So∣litude, and imploy their Devotion and Labours in Converting and Saving the Souls of others; by reason whereof, it is reported, that this place be∣came Desolate; Howbeit, not long after, the memory of St. Joseph stir'd up Devout Christians, to visit and enlarge the Church here Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, as the Fountain and Original of Christian Religion in this Island.

A little before the death of St Joseph, Julius Agricola was sent Pretor into Britain in the last year of Vespasian, and was entertain'd with Opposi∣tion in Wales, which with extraordinary diligence he resisted, and made his Victory compleat at the Isle of Anglesey, from whence Paulinus had lately been re-call'd by the Dreadful Rebellion of the foremention'd unhappy Queen of the Trinobantes Boadicea. Agricola after took care to govern the Province in Peace, to restrain the Avarice of the Roman Souldiers, to defend the Natives from injuries, and by his Courtesie and Civility in∣vited them to delight in Peace. Thereupon he encourag••d them to con∣form to the Roman Fashion of Life, by building Houses, Temples, and Market-Places: He caus'd their Children to be instructed in Arts and good Literature, Applauding their Wits and Natural Endowments, so as there∣by the Roman Tongue became Familiar to the Britains, and the Roman Eloquence in request amongst them.

In the third year of his Pretorship he March'd Northward, and wasted the Country as far as Tweed, and the Summer following he extended his Con∣quests as far as Bodotria, now Edinborough Frith, Eastward, and Glotta now the Frith of Dunbritton Westward, and strengthen'd the narrow space be∣tween them with Forts and Garrisons: So as the only Enemies remaining unconquer'd, were the Caledonian Britains, at a Town thereabouts, now called Abercurven; an Antient Structure is at this day extant, all of square Stones, which the inhabitants call Julius's Hoft, and fancy to have been built by Julius Caesar, but more probably was rais'd by this Julius Agricola, as a Monument of his Conquests.

In the fifth year of his Expedition, he pierc'd into the Northwest Provinces toward Ireland, as if he had an intent to pass over thither; and indeed he is said to be invited over by a Petty Prince of that Island, who compell'd by his Rebellious Subjects thereunto, made some Addresses unto him.

The following year he spent in a March from Edinborough Northward, to sind out the limits of the Country, the Romans as yet not knowing whether Britain were an Island or not; in which march of his, he caus'd his Navy to keep pace with his Land-Army, both for his Security and Supply, but to the great Terrour of the poor Britains, who to free themselves from this danger, attempted the ninth Legion, separated from the rest of the common Army, yet were defeated, but after under the Conduct of Galgacus, emi∣nent both for Nobility and Courage, resolv'd to put all to the hazard of a Battle; and assembling all their Forces upon the mountain Grampus, after a Cruel and Bloody Fight, were entirely Defeated; This Battle was Fought in the last year of Agricola's Government: For in the beginning of the year following, which was the 5th. of Domitians Reign, he return'd to Rome; where (after some shew of Honour,) he became the object of that Tyrants Envy, and not long after the Sacrifice of his Cruelty.

After the departure of Agricola, it doth not clearly appear who succeeded; some say Cneus Trebellius, others Salustius Lucullus, whom Domitian put to Death, because he fram'd new fashion'd Lances, and call'd them after his own Name; this is all is mention'd in the Roman Histories during the re∣mainder of Domitians Reign and his two Successors Nerva and Trajan; little more is written concerning the state of Christianity in these times, here in Britain, save only that the Church of Britain, in the year of Grace 100. sent a Legation to St. Clement Bishop of Rome, desiring him to communicate unto them, the Order and Rites of Celebrating Divine Service; and it is deliver'd by Tradition, that St. Clement set down the Order of offering Sacri∣fice instituted by St. Peter, which was after us'd, with some Addition throughout the whole Western Church.

In Trajan's time, Britain was divided only into two Provinces, call'd the first and second, greater and less, or the upper and lower Britain; the for∣mer contain'd the Southern part, as far as the River-Thames, first possessed by the Romans, the latter the Western Provinces, as Cornwal, Wales, &c. Toward the latter end of Trajan's Reign, some of the Britains attempted to shake off the Roman yoak, but were neglected by the Emperour, engag'd in other Affairs of more concern; It is not certain which of the Britains made this attempt; Coelus is then said to be King of the Britains, not per∣haps the sole King, but most considerable for Power and Wealth, to whom the rest yielded Honour and some kind of Subjection, as some of the Brittish Princes in former Ages are said to have done to Cassibelan; and as after in the time of the Heptarchy, to him who was stil'd Rex Anglorum: This King Coelus is describ'd in History, to be a Prince of a Benign and Peaceable Nature, and well affected to the Romans, as having been train'd and brought up a∣mongst them from his tender years, and consequently not likely to joyn in any Rebellion against them. Now though Trajan had not leasure to reduce these Tumultuous Britains, yet his Successor Adrian neglected them not, as may appear by several Coins, where on are Imprinted the Brittish Army, with three Roman Souldiers, importing the three Legions in Britain, viz. the second called Augusta, the fourteenth called Victrix, and the twentyth called Victrix & Britanica; And this it seems was done to admonish the Britains that this new Emperour was mindful of their Disorders, which about three years after he came himself in person to chastise; Julius Severus was now Pretor under Adrian, but did little, as to the suppressing the Tu∣mults here, especially in the Southern parts, where Coelus was King. Howbeit Adrian in his third year began his Progress for the rectifying Dis∣orders, composing Seditions, and restoring Discipline to his Armies every where; He began with Germany, from thence took a view of France, and the following year pass'd over into Britain, where his first Exploit was, to separate such as Peaceably liv'd in subjection to the Roman Empire, from such as refus'd to submit to its yoak.

Now whereas the Northern Britains since they were overthrown by Agricola, had broken through the Fortifications he had made in the narrow Isthmus between the Friths of Edenborough and Dunbritton; yet Adrian thought not fit to hazard his Army, in repelling them within those former bounds, but contented himself to raise a Wall or Rampire more Southerly, which he continu'd the space of 80 Miles between Solway-Frith on the West, and Tinmouth on the East side of the Isle, it was made of Turf, and strengthen'd with Timber; and in after Ages was call'd, The

Picts Wall, when that Northern Nation became to be term'd Picts, as aforesaid.

The next year Adrian was call'd out of Britain, to compose Sedition rais'd in Alexandria in Egypt: When Adrian was near thereabouts, the Jews and Gentiles were loud in their Complaints against the Christians in Pa∣lestine, from whence that Holy Religion sprang; the number of them was then great in that Country, by reason of the continual resort of Believers to that Sacred place from every quarter of the World, to celebrate the memory both of our Saviours Actions and Passions there: Upon these Complaints, he renews the Persecution began by his Predecessor, and imagining that he could destroy Christian Religion, by a Malicious Defacing the Place where it began, he erected Idols of Devils in the most Sacred place of our Lords Passion, Jupiter in Mount Calvary, Venus where the Cross had been fix'd, Adonis at Bethlehem, conceiving the memory of the Christian Religion would be soon blotted out by the Worship of these Idols: And indeed this Holy Place lay in this desolation, until Helena the Mother of Constantine, thought it worth her Pains to search out the Cross, as is hereafter more fully related.

The Learning, Patience and Constancy of the Christians, through the intercession of Noble and Considerable Persons on their behalf, caus'd Adrian at last to publish an Edict, that none should be punish'd for their Belief, if free from other Crimes.

About the beginning of this Emperour's Reign, dy'd our King Coelus, lea∣ving for his Successor his Son Lucius, a Child of Ten years old, resembling his Father in Virtue, and consequently belov'd of his Subjects; his Fathers affection to the Romans, procur'd him a Roman Name deriv'd from Light, the Britains upon the same account call'd him Lever Maur, or a great Bright∣ness, for the Joy he brought to the whole Kingdom, especially to his Fa∣ther, being born to him in his Old Age, and 37th. year of his Reign; per∣haps this Name foreshew'd a greater Light of Divine Truth, which in this Princes time, and by his care and procurement, was communicated to the whole Kingdom. This Blessing arriv'd not all at once, he did not present∣ly quit the Superstition of his Fore fathers, though he continu'd his Father's Kindness to the Christians, his heart was to be prepar'd and cultivated by little and little for the Heavenly Seed, by many Dispensations of Providence hereafter occurring.

Gildas and Nennius mention a Message sent to the Britains by Pope Eva∣ristus in the latter end of Trajan's Reign, exhorting them to the embracing of the Christian Faith; the advantage or occasion of this Message might be from mitigating that persecution of the Christians; therefore that Holy Bishop might lay hold of that opportunity to recommend a Religion, the Innocen∣cy whereof was approv'd by its greatest Persecutors: Nay, a late German Author, affirms, that our King Lucius obtain'd from Pope Alexander, the Successor of Evaristus, that the Christian Faith should be Preach'd in this Isle; which no doubt the Pope would easily grant, as may appear by the com∣ing of S. Timotheus and S. Marcellus with others into Britain about this time, of whom more hereafter: Moreover, in the most Antient Monuments of Burton-Abbey, we may find, That in the year of our Lord 149. nine Doctors and Schollars were Baptiz'd at Granta or Cambridge; and it is confidently af∣firm'd by Gildas, That the Christian Faith did from the beginning, entirely re∣main in Britain, until Dioclesian's time, which was by him well observ'd, least any should think the Religion brought in by the Apostles and their Disciples, had been utterly extinguish'd.

To Adrian succeeded Antoninus Pius, who sent Lollius Ʋrbicus to repel the Incroaching Britains, who soon drove them back within their former bounds; yet found work enough to compose the Differences and Dissenti∣ons which broke out afresh in the formerly subdu'd Provinces, between the Brigantes and Ordovices; these Tumults were of such danger and hazard, that the happy quieting them gave the addition of Britanicus to Antoninus.

In the 19th. year of this Emperour, Pope Pius the first establish'd by De∣cree the observation of Easter, or the Feast of our Lords Resurrection upon a Sunday, in opposition to such Judaizing Christians, who pretending a Tra∣dition from St. John the Evangelist, kept it precisely on the 14th. day of the first Moon in March. Our Antient Ecclesiastical Monuments make mention about this time of one Marcellus, a Britain born, and a Zealous Preacher of the Faith in Britain, of whom our English Martyrology testifies, That he ga∣ther'd into a Flock the remainder of those, who had been Converted by St. Joseph of Arimathaea and his Companions, consirming them in the same Faith. This St. Marcellus was afterwards ordain'd Bishop of Tongres and Triers, these two Cities being govern'd at that time by one Bishop: In the Annals of which Church we read, That Lucius King of Britain was made a Christian, and Bap∣tiz'd by this Marcellus a Teacher of the Inhabitants of Triers: Yet there are more Authentick Testimonies demonstrating, That he was Baptiz'd by Fuga∣tius and Damianus sent by Pope Eleutherius. This Holy Bishop Marcellus, was the first Britain who suffer'd Martyrdom out of this Island, as St. Alban was the first who suffer'd within it; his Sufferings were in a great Persecu∣tion rais'd by Marcus Aurelius the Successor of Antoninus.

Together with Marcellus, there came from Rome another Illustrious Saint, of Noble Birth and Plentiful Fortunes, which yet he relinquish'd, that with the more freedom, he might Preach Christ Crucify'd: This Timotheus was the Son of Pudens, a Roman Senator, and of his Wife suppos'd to be the famous Claudia the British Lady forespoken of; He was also Brother of Novatus, as also of S. Pudentiana and Praxedes, whose memories are Anniversarily cele∣brated by the Catholick Church: His coming hither is a considerable proof that his Mother was a Britain: It may be collected out of the Ecclesiastical Of∣fices, that Pudentiana a Virgin, with her Sister Praxedes the Daughters of Pudens, practising the Duties of Christian Religion, with admirable Piety, Sold her Patrimony, and distributed to the Poor the Money thence arising; giving her self wholly to Fasting and Prayer; by her Zeal and endeavours her whole Family consisting of 96. persons was Converted to the Faith, and Baptiz'd by Pope Pius: And the publick Sacrifices being forbidden by Antoninus, the Holy Pope Celebrated the Divine Mysteries, with other Christians in the House of Pudentiana, who afforded those Holy Persons all necessary Sustenance; and being thus imploy'd in such Offices of Piety, she dy'd the 14th. of the Calends of June, in the year of our Lord 161. and was bury'd in the Coemetery of Priscilla, in the Salarian way.

Her Brother Novatus dy'd the year following, concerning whose Death there is a Letter yet extant (from Pastor a Holy Priest) from Rome, to Timo∣theus then imploy'd in his Apostolick Office in Britain, signifying unto him, That the venerable Virgin Praxedes was in great affliction for the death of her Sister Pudentiana; Pope Pius and many Honourable Christians came to comfort her, and amongst the rest her Brother Novatus, who, about two months after he departed from his Sister Praxedes fell sick, and was forthwith visited by the Holy Pope and Praxedes, as also by other godly persons to his great Comfort.

That Novatus in the presence of those persons, declar'd his Will, and bequeath'd all his Estate to Timotheus and Praxedes, and shortly after departed in the Lord. And by this Letter Pastor desir'd, To know of Timotheus how he would have the Estate of his Brother Novatus dispos'd, to the end, that what the said Timotheus directed might be observ'd therein.

To which Letter Timotheus is said to give this Pious Answer, Persum'd with Christian Charity; wherein, after a Salutation, savouring of the Ho∣ly simplicity of that Age, and desire to be recommended to the Memory and Intercession of the Holy Apostles, the Prelate of the Apostolick See, and all Saints, he signifies his desire, That what ever share was given to him by his Brother Novatus, should be at the dispose of his Holy Sister Praxedes, and the Holy Priest Pastor, to whom he return'd his Answer: Which was after shown to Pope Pius, who gave thanks to the Father Almighty; and after, at the request of Praxedes Dedicated a Church in the Baths of Novatus at Rome in the Bricklayers-street, where the Holy Pope also constituted a Ro∣man Title, and consecrated a Font for Baptism. Those Titles were for the most part signify'd by Crosses, and were first in the nature of particular Parishes, by Pope Evaristus assign'd to the cure of particular Priests: The Bathes which are here nam'd from Novatus, have elsewere their denomina∣tion from Timotheus, and were scituated upon the mountain called Viminal: And in Truth the Christians privately resorted to this place for the celebrati∣on of their Divine Mysteries before any Church was Solemnly Consecrated there, as may be found in the Acts of Justin the Philosopher, who calls it the Timothean Bath: The same year that Novatus dy'd, the Emperour Antoninus ended his Life, after him succeeded Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, joyntly governing the Empire with equal Authority.

In the second year of these Emperours, dy'd the Holy Virgin Praxedes, the particulars of whose death are recorded by Pastor in this manner. Two years and 18 days after this Church was Dedicated, there was a great Per∣secution rais'd against Christians, to enforce them to Worship Idols, and many were Crown'd with Martyrdom: Now the Holy Virgin Praxedes; fervent in the Holy Ghost, secretly conceal'd many good Christians in the said Title or Church, whose bodies she strengthen'd with Food, and their minds with Exhor∣tations proceeding from Gods spirit; Insomuch, as notice was given to Aurelius that Christian Assemblies were made in her House; he then sent his Officers thi∣ther, who laid hold on Symitrius a Priest and 22 persons more, all which the Cruel Emperour commanded to be put to Death in the same Title, without any Examination; their Bodies Praxedes took by night, and bury'd in the Coeme∣tery of Priscilla; but soon after afflicted for the suffering of the Saints, with many Groans she Pray'd that she might pass out of this Life; her Prayers found access unto our Lord Jesus, for in the 44th. day after the Martyrdom of the fore-men∣tion'd Saints, she went unto the Lord, and Pastor the Priest bury'd her Body in her Fathers Coemetery of Priscilla upon the Salarian-way: This Persecution was begun at the Instigation of Heathen Philosophers, especially of the beastly Cynicks, particularly of Crescence, that infamous Wretch mention'd with in∣dignation by Justin Martyr.

Thus much is deliver'd concerning the Holy Children of Pudens the Ro∣man Senator, in the Acts of whom our Nation had an Interest, partly in regard their Mother was a British Lady, and that Timotheus was their Bro∣ther, who exercis'd his Apostolick Office in this Island, and no doubt had a great influence in disposing the mind of King Lucius towards the Christian

Faith; of Timotheus little more is written, saving, that after the Death of his Sister Praxedes, he return'd to Rome, where he became a Prey to those Sensual Philosophers, and ended his Life by Martyrdom with his worthy Companion Marcus, as appears by an Epistle of Pope Pius; wherein, amongst other things he declares, S. Timotheus and Marcus to have ended their Lives by a Happy Conflict; And he concludes his Letter to the Bishop unto whom it was directed, thus, Take care dear Brother that thou follow these Saints, in imitating their zeal, and freeing thy self from the Chains of this World: Make hast to obtain with the Holy Apostles the everlasting Palm of Victory, that Palm which St. Paul attain'd by a world of Sufferings, and St. Peter also, from whom the Cross it self could not take the love of Christ; Soter and Eleutherius Salute thee, Salute the Brethren who live with thee in our Lord: Cerinthus Satans prime Minister, seduces many from the Faith; may the Grace of Christ dwell for ever in thy heart. We may see by this Epistle the Solicitude and Care of this Holy Pope for the Salvation of Souls, not in Rome only, but elsewere; as also in another Epistle of his to Justus, wherein he recom∣mends, The Decent Interring of the Bodies of Martyrs, and a due Veneration of their Reliques.

In the 18th. year of Marcus Aurelius and L. Verus, the Northern Province of the Ottadini, about Berwick broke out into Rebellion, for reducing of whom Calphurnius Agricola was sent into this Island, upon whose approach the Rebels quickly submitted: A little before this time Pius the first de∣parted this Life, about the year of our Lord 166. and was succeeded by St. Annicetus, and him after 9 years succeeded St. Soter, who having for the space of five years fill'd the Chair of St. Peter, had for his Successor St. Eleu∣therius, in the year of our Lord 180. In whose third year our King Lucius, then an old man, after he had reign'd 58 years, by Gods Grace had his Youth renew'd as an Eagle, and was born again by Baptism, and made an Heir of an everlasting Kingdom. It may seem strange perhaps he should hold out so long against the Power of Truth; But if we consider the tena∣ciousness of Humane Nature to inveterate Customs, so agreeable to Flesh and Blood, and the horrible Scandals and Prejudices then cast upon Chri∣stian Religion, it can appear no less then Miraculous, that a great King in his old Age should have the courage to submit his Crown and Scepter to the Spiritual Scepter of Christ's Kingdom. The Motives which might induce him hereunto, besides his long experience of the Innocence, Patience and Peaceable Dispositions of his Christian Subjects. May be

First, The Powerful Preaching and Perswasion of many Apostolick Preachers, such as were St. Aristobulus, St. Marcellus, St. Timotheus, &c.

Secondly, The Testimony of the Emperours themselves to the Christian Faith, and the Professors of it; though otherwise Enemies to it.

Thirdly, The Testimony of God himself, in his miraculous rescue of the then reigning Emperour from unavoidable Ruine, by the Prayers of his Christian Souldiers.

As to the Testimony of the Emperours, not such as Nero, Vitellius and Domitian, whose favour to Christians would have been disgraceful, but of Princes Venerable in the World for Prudence and Courage, yet zealous for their own Superstition, such as Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius; and what their Testimony of the Christians was, may be collected out of the Edict of Antoninus, as followeth.

The Emperour Caesar, Titus, Aelius Hadrianus, Antoninus Pius, Angustus highest Priest, this 15th. time possess'd of the Tribunitial Power, and this third time Consul Father of his Country. To the People of Asia Health; I am assur'd that the Gods will not permit those men to lye hid in obscurity, who refuse to pay due Honour and Worship to them, for they themselves will far more severely punish such, then you can. And you do not consider, that by Molesting and Tormenting those men, whom you call Impious, and charge as Enemies to the Gods, you do thereby the more confirm and increase their Religion; for to them it is a thing more desirable to be accus'd as Criminal, to lay down their Lives for their God, then to enjoy the present Life with worldly Contentment. Hence it is that by exposing their Lives in this manner, they obtain over you a more Glorious victory, then if they should perform whatever you require. Now as concerning the Earthquakes, which both in late times, and at this present also do happen; I judge very reasonable to give you some Admonition: Whensoever such Cala∣mities befall you, ye are presently disheartned and in despair, you impute it straight to their Religion, as if it alone were the cause of all misfortunes happening to you: On the other side, whensoever any such Accident befalls them, they are thereby incited to a more constant and firm Trust in God: Whereas all that while, you either loose all knowledge of God, and utterly despise all Sacred Duties; not only refusing to pay the Worship and Service due to the Deity, but grievously vexing, and to death pursuing those who do observe and reverence him. Now several Magistrates and Governours of our Provinces, have here∣tofore written Letters to our most Holy and Deify'd Father Hadrian, to whom his Answer and Rescript was, That no further trouble should be given to those men, except they should be otherwise guilty of any Crime, or had a de∣sign prejudicial to the Roman Empire. Many also have written to me in their favour, to whom my Answer was, That I assented to the Ordinance and Will of my late Father; And my pleasure is, that if any shall hereafter offer any Injury or Vexation to any Christian, as a Christian, the person so persecuted, though found indeed to be a Christian, shall be presently Acquitted, and his Accuser un∣dergo just and due punishment.

This Edict, though directed particularly to Asia, yet had influence over the whole Roman World; and what could more advantageously recom∣mend the Christian Religion, than what this Heathen Emperour here pub∣lish'd of it; and certainly the Testimony of such an Enemy, who was of so great Authority, could not but impress mightily upon the Hearts of mo∣derate Heathens, much more upon King Lucius, who from his Parents in∣herited a Spirit of kindness and liberality towards the Christians.

But as for the Powerful Testimonies, which Almighty God himself at this time signally gave to all Mankind, by delivering not only the Roman Emperour, but the Empire it self from inevitable Destruction, by the Prayers of his Christian Servants. Let Dio a Roman Historian living in those times, and a bitter Enemy to the Christians, proclaim in his own words. The Emperour Marcus (saith he) after many Battles fought, and dangers under∣gone in Germany, in subduing the Marcomanni and Jaziges, was enforc'd to a new and sharp War against the Quadi, from which ensu'd a Victory happy to the Romans beyond their hope, obtain'd indeed by the miraculous favour of God; for the Romans in the midst of the Battle, being brought in extream danger, were sav'd after a wonderful manner, and meerly a special Divine assistance: They were narrowly inclos'd on all sides by the Quadi, yet in places commodious fought valiantly; but the barbarous enemy craftily forbore to come to a general

Engagement, hoping without that hazard, to see the Romans destroy'd before their faces with extremity of Heat and Thirst, whom by their Multitudes they had shut so in, that they could come by no Water. Now the Romans brought to these extreme difficulties, and tormented with Wounds, Diseases, Thirst, and the burning Heat of the Sun, could neither Fight, nor draw off from the place, nor expect any remedy; when behold on a suddain there was a gathering together of many Clouds, from which descended great showers of Rain, to the great comfort and Refreshment of the Romans; who being thus encourag'd by an unexpected assistance from Heaven, set upon their Enemies, (astonish'd at such a Miracle,) and forc'd them to flee; and seeing many of them in their flight kill'd with Lightning and Thunder-bolts from Heaven, so as it was notorious to all the World, that this so great Deliverance and Victory was the work not of Men but God only. Now though Dio was by clear conviction enforc'd to the Confession of Divine Goodness, yet his malice and envy against the Chri∣stians provok'd him to attribute this clear Miracle to Magick, or some false God, rather than to the true God of Christians: For he adds in the Con∣clusion of his Discourse, That the report then was, that a certain Egyp∣tian Magician, call'd Arnuphis, then attending on the Emperour, did by Ma∣gical Arts invoke Mercury; especially that Deity who rules in the Air, and other Daemons, and by their assistance forcibly procur'd those showers.

But Xiphilin the Abridger of Dio's History, evidently convinces this Im∣posture, shewing first, that this Emperour was never addicted to the delusi∣ons of Magick, or affected to the Professors of such Arts; and afterwards declaring the true circumstances of the matter to this effect.

Marcus (saith he) having in his Army one Legion, consisting of Souldiers which came from Armenia, and were all Worshipers of Christ, the Prefect of the Pre∣torian Bands came to him when he was in great fear, what would become of his Armies, and at a loss what course to take; and told him, there was nothing so difficult, but those who were call'd Christians could obtain from God; of which Profession, there was then in the Army one entire Legion: Marcus thus inform'd, desir'd the Christians to make Supplicati∣on to their God, in behalf of the Army; which as soon as they had done, God immediately granted their Prayers, and with the same Showres re∣fresh'd the Romans, and destroy'd their Enemies:

Marcus wonderfully astonish'd with these Events, by a publick Edict honour'd the Christians, and call'd that Legion, the Thundering Legion; as by an Epistle of that Em∣perour extant at this day may appear; and by the Apologies also of Apolli∣naris, St. Gregory Nissen, and Tertullian, &c. is made also manifest.

The fore-mention'd Epistle follows in these words.

The Emperour Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, Augustus, &c. High Priest, in the 28th. year of our Tribunitial Power, and our third Consulship, Father of our Country, Pro-Consul to the Senate and People of Rome, sends Health; I have given you Information touching the greatness of our present Design and Resolution, and all the Occurences which successively happen'd to me in Germany, both in our Combats and Sieges. Truly when I was at Cornutum, our Scouts inform'd us, that there approach'd within the space of nine Miles, no fewer then 74 Ensigns of our Enemies; and the same thing did Pompeianus our General declare to us, which our selves likewise saw. Now having in our Army only four Legions, the First, the Tenth, the Twin Legion, and that of the Ferentarii; and there being in our Enemies Camp no sewer then 977000. when I compar'd our small Forces with the vast multitudes

of our Barbarous Foes, I address'd my Prayers and Vows to our Roman Gods; But when I saw that was neglected by them, and that the Enemy began to over-charge us; I sent to call the Christians, which were not a few in our Army, whom both by Prayers and Threats also I urg'd to assist us, but Threats were neither needful, nor indeed seemly, as I perceiv'd afterwards, when I found how Powerful they were: For they underta∣king our Defence, did not take care to provide themselves Weapons, or to make use of Arms or Trumpets; for to put their trust in such things, is not acceptable to that God, whose Name, Cause and Honour they alway car∣ry in their Hearts. Therefore it is just, that we should acknowledge those to be safely protected by God, whom formerly we esteem'd to be Impious, and Enemies to him. For having cast themselves Prostrate to the ground, they offer'd their Prayers, not only for Me, but for the whole Army, that some remedy might be sent us, to asswage the Hunger and Thirst with which we were tormented: For by the space of five days, we had Drank no Water, there being none left amongst us, nor means to procure any, we being clos'd round about with Mountains in the very heart of Germany: Now as soon as these Christians had cast themselves on the ground, and Address'd their Prayers to that God, of whom I was igno∣rant, immediately there fell from Heaven abundance of Rain, which to us was Cool and Refreshing; but to the Enemies, was accompany'd with Hail in the likeness of Fire, and with Thunder-bolts: Thus that God who can∣not be overcome, or resisted, was in a wonderful manner Propitious to their Prayers and Supplications. For this reason, let us freely permit such as these to be what they Profess, Christians, least we force them by their Prayers to obtain such Weapons against us from Heaven: My Judgement and Sentence therefore is, that none be question'd, or call'd into Judge∣ment upon the Charge that he is a Christian; So that if any one be found to lay this as a Crime against any one, that he is a Christian, let it be made known to the person so accus'd, that he is to be presently dismiss'd and acquitted, in case no other Crime be objected against him; and let Him who accus'd such Christian, be Burnt Alive: Whosoever therefore pro∣fesses himself a Christian, is hereby freed from any danger in that regard threatned against him: Neither let the Magistrate who governs the Pro∣vince, endeavour to make him renounce his Profession, or any ways abridge his Liberty. And my Sentence moreover is, That this Edict be further Establish'd by Decree of the Senate, and publickly expos'd in the Common place of Trajan, that any one may Read it; let Vetrusius Pollio likewise Prefect of the City, take order that this Constitution be sent into all Provinces; neither let any one be prohibited to take a Copy, or make use of it, Farewel.

The Emperour not content with so much advange to Celebrate the won∣derful Power and Goodness of the true God by Edicts and Writings pub∣lish'd to the whole World, proceeded to a yet more Illustrious Expression of his gratitude: And because Edicts were only in force for the present age, He, to Eternize the memory of so great a Deliverance, rais'd up, in a spacious place at Rome, a vast Pillar, on which was engrav'd the whole History, to be read in all future times.

Certainly such a Confession of the Debility of the Roman Deities, and the Omnipotence of the True God Worship'd only by the Christians, made by the most Wise, Learn'd and Virtuous Emperour of the Romans, must needs

have a strange influence on the minds of many men throughout the whole Empire, to incline them to conform themselves to his Judgement, though his Practise were otherwise, for Worldly respects; and indeed it produc'd a number of Christians, not only out of the Vulgar Rank, but of Honour∣able and Noted Persons; Insomuch, as Tertullian (a Christian Writer of the next Age,) declares to the Romans, That though they counted Christians as Ex∣terns, yet (saith he) we fill all your places, your Cities, Isles, Castles, Free-Towns, Camps, Tribes, Corporations, Palaces, Senates, &c. No wonder then if our British King Lucius prepar'd as aforesaid, and inform'd by Tre∣bellius and Pertinax, principal Officers sent into Britain, not only of the said Miraculous Deliverance, but what numbers of the Roman Nobility and Senators had thereupon given up their Names to Christ: No wonder if Lucius thus convinc'd in Judgement, and not deter'd by the Roman Civil Power, at last submitted his neck to the same easy yoak.

As for our Bale's conceit that Trebellius and Pertinax were both Christians, and wrought upon Lucius; there is no ground in History for it: And as to the manner and order of this Kings Conversion, it might have been more clearly publish'd to the World, had not the Antient History of Elevanus, who liv'd in the time of Pope Eleutherius, been lost; Nevertheless, what may be glean'd out of Primitive Records, as Relicks of Antient Tradition, shall not be omitted, especially if approv'd by modern Authors: Amongst the rest thus writes Bale,

Lucius (as he conjectures) was scandaliz'd at the meanness and poverty of Christ, as the Jews were: For though Christian Religion had for the space of more than 100. years been propagated in Britain, yet it seem'd to be depriv'd of its due splendour, because hitherto Administred by simple, poor and contemptible persons, and wanted the Au∣thority of the Empire to support it. Therefore as soon as the said King was inform'd by the Emperour's Lieutenants, that upon the ceasing of Per∣secution, many Illustrious Romans had embrac'd the Christian Faith, he then began to entertain a more worthy conceit of it; and now seriously com∣paring this Holy Faith, with what he had learn'd from his Druids, the Simplicity and Sanctity of the one, with the foul and barbarous Supersti∣tions of the other, and considering the inestimable Promises of Eternal Glory and Happiness, propos'd and assur'd in and by the Gospel, to any share whereof his own Priests never pretended the least claim, he grew weary of his former Errours, and was willing to be further instructed in those Verities, with a few Beams whereof he had been formerly Enlightned.

And therefore though there wanted not such as had skill enough to sa∣tisfie this King, in the Truth of Christian Religion, especially Elvanus before mention'd, and Medwinus among the Belgae; yet the prudent King (by their advice, no doubt,) thought himself oblig'd to implore a greater Au∣thority, for the Establishing a new Church, and settling the common Af∣fairs of Religion amongst his Subjects. However, though in his neighbour∣ing Kingdom of Gaule, many renown'd and learn'd Bishops were then li∣ving, especially St. Iraeneus Bishop of Lyons; yet to none of these had Lucius particular recourse, but sent two Messengers through that Nation, directing them to St. Eleutherius, a worthy Successor of St. Peter in the Apostolick Chair, which He, with the whole Christian World took to be the Fountain of all Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction: This he might well learn from St. Iraeneus against Heresies; who declares, That every Church, and all Christians where∣ever dspers'd, should have recourse to the Roman Church, by reason of its more

Powersul Principality. Tertullian also, then an Eminent Priest, would have given the same advice, for thus he bespeaks his Readers, Who ever thou art, (saith he) who would'st better imploy thy Curiosity in the business of thy Salva∣tion, take a view of the Principal Churches founded by the Apostles. If Italy be nearest to thee, thou mayest repair to Rome, from whence our Authority in Africk is likewise deriv'd; a Church it is happy in its constitution: To which the chief Apostles, together with their Blood, shed forth the whole Doctrine of Christianity. And as for St. Iraeneus, he gives a Catalogue of all the Bishops of Rome, to the time of Eleatherius, with whom he was Contemporary; and with his Catalogue, this Assertion. By making known the Faith of that chiefest and most Antient Church of Rome, renown'd throughout the whole World, founded and constituted by the most glorious Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, and by an un-interrupted Succession of Bishops deriv'd to our times, we confound all those who any way either by an unlawful self-love, vain glory, blindness, or per∣versity of Opinion, make separated congregations professing other Doctrine.

Therefore to Elutherius Pastor of this Church, King Lucius address'd him∣self to obtain Laws and Ordinances necessary for the constitution of a well order'd Church in this Kingdom; what his Message was, our Bishop Ʋsher hath declar'd out of an Antient Book belonging to the Monastery of Abing∣don, namely, That King Lucius having heard the Fame of the Sanctity of Preachers at that time in Rome, sent his Messengers with publick Letters in great Expedition, most devoutly and earnestly beseeching the venerable Pope Eleutherius, that by his Order and Will he might be made a Christian. It is true, the Bishop will by no means attribute this to the Primacy of the Ro∣man Bishop, but to the Commerce and strict Alliance between the Con∣quer'd Britains and that Imperial City; contrary to the plain Judgements of Irenaeus and Tertullian before-mention'd, and the Traditionary practice of all Ages. In the Protestant Author of the British Antiquities, we may find who were this Kings Messengers, namely Elvanus and Medwinus before∣mention'd, and what their Message was more particularly, viz.

To re∣quest the Roman Bishop, that he would be pleas'd to direct his Legates, with order to Baptize him, being already indued with Christian Doctrine, and that they might bring the Roman Laws with them, according to which he might Order and Establish both the Ecclesiastical and Civil State of his Kingdom.

The Pious Bishop Eleutherius, much more zealous to propagate the Divine Doctrine, than to Illustrate his own Fame, signify'd to the King his inexpressible joy for the gaining of so great a King to the Obe∣dience of Christ, but for the Civil ordering of his Kingdom, thought his interessing himself therein, would be to little purpose; for those Laws were not necessary for the constitution of a Christian Commonwealth, and that by them many things were establish'd, which ought not to be observ'd by those who profess the Christian Faith, &c.

St. Bede mentioning these requests of the King to Pope Eleutherius, adds presently, That he obtain'd the effect of his Pious Petition, as to so much there∣of as concern'd his further instruction in Christian Religion; As may appear by the Pope's Answer, preserv'd to this day by Matthew of Westminster, as followeth;

Your request to Us is, that we would transmit to you a Copy of the Roman and Imperial Laws, which it seems you desire to make use of in your Kingdom of Britain: But you must be inform'd, that the Roman Laws, and such as are Enacted by the Emperour, are not of such obliga∣tion, but they may be at any time rejected, which the Law of God in no

Case must be. Now by the Divine Mercy you have of late submitted your self in your Kingdom of Britain, to the Law and Faith of Christ, so that you have already with you both the Old and New Testament, out of Them therefore, by Gods Inspiration, and with the common Councel of your Kingdom collect and frame a Law, and by it (through the Divine assistance) govern your Kingdom of Britain. You are Gods Deputy in your Kingdom, according as the Kingly Prophet says, The Earth is our Lords and the fulness of it, the round World and all that dwell in it: And again, the same Kingly Pro∣phet saith, Thou hast lov'd Righteousness, and hated Iniquity, Therefore thy God hath Anointed thee with the Oyl of Gladness above thy Fellows; And again, Give thy Judgements to the King, and thy Justice, &c. He saith, thy Judgement, not the Judgement and Justice of Caesar, for the Christian Nations and People of your Kingdom, who live under your peaceable Protection, are the Children of God, under his care, who according to the Gospel, Protect them as a Hen, gathering her Chickens under her Wings, &c. The Nations therefore of your Kingdom are your People, which being hitherto divided, you ought to gather into one unanimous Congregation to the Obedience of the Faith and Law of Christ, constituting of them one Church, which you must Cherish, Maintain, Protect and Govern, that so you may Reign with Christ for ever, whose Deputy you are in the said Kingdom.

Some modern Writers add, indeed some other passages incoherent and impertinent to it, most likely to be Fictitious, as perhaps the whole Epistle may be thought to be, did not the credit of Matthew of Mestminster some∣what support it: Be the Objections against it, or the Additions to it what they will, sure it is the Conversion of St. Lucius doth not much depend upon it. Doubtless, this, or some such like Answer was brought back by Elvanus and Medwinus, and with them came two other Holy men, Commission'd by Eleu∣therius, not only to Instruct and Baptize the King, and those who by his imitation embrac'd the Christian Faith, but to order and establish all Eccle∣siastical Affairs in the Kingdom; the Names of those two Commissioners were Fugatius and Damianus, accounted well qualify'd for their Mission, and of the degree of Bishops or Preiates, that they might be able to Con∣secrate Churches, Erect Bishopricks, Dispense Orders, and the like.

Concerning Elvanus and Medwinus good Authors write, that the first was Consecrated Bishop at Rome, and the other Preacher or Doctor of the Christian Faith; Though there be others, who upon little or no ground, suppose them only Cathecumens when they went thither, and consequently uncapable of such Preferment: Whereas it is very probable that they were eminent Preachers of the Christian Faith to King Lucius and others; and as appears by Antient Monuments, they were Disciples of Joseph of Ari∣mathaea, bred up at Glastonbury, full of Zeal to Gods Glory according to knowledge, and accustom'd to a Contemplative Life in Prayer and Morti∣fication.

Fugatius and Damianus admitted to the Presence of King Lucius, and ac∣quainting him from whom they were sent, and upon what Errand; forth∣with the King, and his whole Family, with many others, receiv'd Baptism, according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Roman Church: The name of the Queen to King Lucius is not recorded, but his Sister Baptiz'd with him, in Antient Records, is Nam'd Emerita, of whose Holiness and Con∣stancy in Martyrdom, more is to be said hereafter: As for the particular form this King was Baptiz'd in, it was certainly done according to the Roman

Church, conformable no doubt to the Ordinances of the Apostles, as St. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus and Tertullian, living all in or about that Age, do confidently Affirm, Now, though to the Essence of Baptism, nothing is more re∣quir'd than due matter, which is Water, a due form of Words, and a right in∣tention of him who confers it: Yet even in these Primitive times, other Sa∣cred and Ceremonious Rites were subjoyn'd, the more effectually to apply and imprint the force and virtue of that Sacrament in the minds of the Re∣ceivers, as is most evident from Tradition, and the Writings of those times; and this by the prescription even of the Apostles themselves and their imme∣diate Successors; But if not so, who can deny the Authority of the Church, as to the creating such Ceremonies as may make the Celebration of the Holy Sacraments more Solemn and August, especially considering what our Lord hath pronounc'd concerning his Church, He that heareth (or obeyeth) you, heareth me. Of these Additional Rites, the principal are these.

First. The Arming the Baptiz'd person with the Sign of the Cross.

Secondly. The Anointing his Head with Holy Oyl and Chrism.

Thirdly. The Blessing of the Water design'd for Baptism.

Fourthly, The using of Exorcisms and Holy Prayers, to drive away the Enemy of Mankind.

All these Rites were practic'd in the Primitive times, as may be prov'd by a cloud of Faithful Witnesses in several Ages, by constant Tra∣dition, as St. Basil fully demonstrates.

After the administration of Baptism to the King, those Holy men Fugatius and Damianus toge∣ther with Elvanus and Medwinus wholly imploy'd themselves in Preach∣ing the Gospel of Christ, through all the Provinces of the Kingdom; in disputing against the Superstition of the Druids, and demonstrating the vanity of their Idols, and the abominableness of their Horrible Sacrifices: And being attended with the Kings Authority and Zeal, they broke in pieces those Idols, and easily perswaded the Britains to renounce their An∣tient Superstitions: So that in a short space, the Christian Faith and Wor∣ship of the only true God, came generally to be had in Honour and Admi∣ration. Matthew of Westminster adds, That these Blessed Teachers having in a great measure defac'd Idolatry through all Britain, they Dedicated to the Honour of one God and his Saints, those Temples which had been found∣ed to the Worship of many false Gods, filling them with Assemblies of Lawfull Pastors. Saying further, That in divers Cities of the Kingdom they constituted, or at least design'd 28 Bishops, subject to three Archbishops, or Metropolitan Sees, the prime whereof was London, to which Cornwall and all the Provinces on the South of Severn and Wales were actually subjected, or design'd so to be. The Second was York, to which was laid Deira and Albania divided from Loegria, or the former part by the River Humber. The third, the City of Legions, which had Dominion over Cambria or Wales, sever'd from Loegria by the River Severn.

This City was call'd Caerleon, and scituate upon the River Osca or Ʋsk, as by the ruines there may appear: At the first indeed Bishops did not confine themselves to one place, but exercis'd their Pastoral Duties from one place to another, as they had occasion; but after their Flocks incrcasing, each Bishop was limited to his peculiar Flock, and seated themselves in the eminent Cities, then in number about 28. and consequently so many Bishops were ordain'd.

We find in the Antient Book belonging to the Monastery of Abingdon, to this effect, That Eleutherius sent his Missioners Faganus and Divianus, Learn'd

and Holy men to King Lucius, who Baptiz'd the King, and his People embrace∣ing the Christian Faith, destroy'd Idols, and built Churches, and decreed that in those Cities, where formerly resided Arch-flamens, according to the Pagan Superstition, there Arch-bishops should be establish'd, and where ordinary Fla∣mens were, there Bishops should succeed, the chief Cities then were London, York and Caerleon, which became the Seats of three Arch-bishops. Possibly the Title of Flamens and Arch-flamens was given to these Druid Priests by the Ro∣mans, who might be distinguish'd amongst themselves by some other Name.

The Names of these 28 Cities have been collected out of History. I. Cair Gumeguir, which perhaps is Norwich, by the Britains call'd Cair Guntius, or perhaps rather Winwick in Lancashire, some say Winchester. II. Mincip or Municip, which is Verulam near St. Albans. III. Cair Lualid Luguballia, now Caerleil. IV. Mediolanum at this day Meivod in Montgomery-shire. V. Cair Colon or Colonia, now Colchester. VI. Cair Ebranc, now York. VII. Cair Custeint near Carnarvan, by Antonine call'd Seguntium, and Cair Custeint, because Constantius the Father of Constantine was there buried, and his Body there found in the time of Edward the First after the Conquest, and by him Honourably Interr'd. VIII. Cair Caratauc, or Caradoc in the borders of Shropshire, between the Rivers Teindus and Colunus, where Ca∣ractacus was Defeated by Ostorius. IX. Cair Grant, now Cambridge upon the River Grant. X. Maucguid, Mancunium in Lancashire as some think, Manduessedum or Manchester in Warwickshire as others. XI. Cair Londein, or Cair Lud, now London. XII. Cair Guorthigirn in Radnorshire, where King Vortigern hid himself from Divine Justice, but could not escape it, but was Burnt by Lightning in and with that City. XIII. Cair Ceint now Can∣terbury, formerly Dorbernia. XIV. Cair Guorangon Branonium, now Wor∣cester. XV. Cair Peris or Portcester, now Portsmouth. XVI. Cair Daun or Danus, now Doncaster in Yorkshire. XVII. Cair Legio of the 20th. Legion there quarter'd, now Chester. XVIII. Cair Guaricon, or Guarvinc of Guarth, a Garrison in the British Tongue, now Warwick. XIX. Cair Segesut, or the City of the Segontiaci, the first People of this Island, who yielded to Caesar, since call'd Silchester in Hampshire. XX. Cair Leon, from the second Legion, or Ʋsk, from the River; it was seated in Monmouthshire, and is now ruin'd. XXI. Cair Guent, or Venta Belgarum now Winchester. XXII. Cair Brito, now call'd Bristol. XXIII. Cair Lerion, by the Saxons Legecestria, now Leicester. XXIV. Cair Draiton, which Bishop Ʋsher thinks to be that which is now call'd Draiton in Shropshire. XXV. Cair Pentavelcoit seated upon the River Ivel in Somersetshire, now Ilchester; yet the said Learn'd Bishop thinks it should be written Pensavelcoit, supposing it to be Pentsey in Sussex, where William the Conqueror first landed. XXVI. Cair Vervac, or Ʋriconium, now Wroxcester in Shropshire. XXVII. Calemion, or Calion, which Cambden takes to be Comelet in Somersetshire, where Roman Coins are frequently found, and where are the footsteps of a Camp. XXVIII. Cair Luitcoit, or Lindcoit, or Lindum, now Lincoln: These were the 28 Cities, perhaps not all extant in the days of King Lucius, at least under those Names, which were design'd then for the Seats of Arch-bishops and Bishops; though perhaps some other might be design'd for that purpose: And it may be the Name of Arch-bishops was not then us'd, yet the jurisdiction was alike, un∣der the Name of Metropolitans, from the Metropolis, or most Eminent Cities. How many of these Cities were supply'd with Bishops, is not cer∣tain, Records only mention, besides Elvanus Consecrated at Rome, Theanus

only, a Britain and first Metropolitan Bishop of London, where our Devout King Lucius built a Church in Cornhill, Consecrated to St. Peter, the Truth whereof is manifested by an Inscription on an Antient Table not long since hanging in the said Church, to this effect following, In the year of our Lord 179. Lucius the first Christian King of this Land, founded the first Church at London, namely the Church of St. Peter in Cornhill: He establish'd there an Arch-Episcopal See, it was the prime Church of the Kingdom, and so con∣tinu'd for 400. years until the coming of St. Augustine the Apostle of Eng∣land: Some make Theanus Founder of this Church, assisted therein by Cira∣nus the Kings Cup-bearer: How long Theanus govern'd in this See, is uncer∣tain, however he was succeeded by St. Elvanus, though Malmsburiensis makes it doubtful in what place the Arch-Episcopal jurisdiction was fix'd, during the time of the Britains.

Fugatius and Damianus after their three years successful Labours in this new Vineyard of our Lord, (as Historians witness,) return'd to Rome, to give an account to St. Eleutherius, how affairs stood in Britain. As to this, Matthew of Westminster expresses himself most fully, affirming, That in the year of Grace 186. the Blessed Prelates, Fugatius and Damianus return'd to Rome, and obtain'd from the Holy Pope Eleutherius, a confirmation of all they had done in Britain, and then came back again, accompany'd with many others: By whose Instructions the British Nation being confirm'd in the Faith of Christ, became Illustrious; the Names and Acts of these Holy men may be found in the History of our Gildas, concerning the Victory of Aurelius Ambrosius.

It was the practice of Christian Churches to have frequent recourse to the Chair of St. Peter, and about this very time the Church of Lions in France, sent Irenaeus to St. Eleutherius for the resolving of questions about Ecclesiasti∣cal Affairs, as St. Jerom witnesseth; and of the same Errand, before this time, went St. Beatus to Rome, as is before-mention'd. This hath been frequent∣ly done in a due Subordination to the Supream Tribunal of the Church, and for the preservation of Unity, the Center whereof the Chair of St. Peter was ever accounted.

When Fugatius and Damianus came back into Britain, they presented the King with a Crown Bless'd by that Holy Pope, with many Divine Admoni∣tions, more acceptable than the Crown, relating to the Government of his Civil State, and his Defence of Holy Church: It is said the Pope also prescrib'd the limits of his Kingdom so far Northerly, that some conjecture, that from thence it is, that so many of those Northern Provinces became subject to the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Church of York.

Other Churches were afterwards built; as first at Westminster in the place of an Idol Temple consecrated to Apollo, which in the Reign of Anto∣ninus Pius was by an Earthquake cast to the ground; This Church from the days of King Lucius, was design'd for a Burying place of our Kings, as at this day, and after it was Re-edify'd by St. Edward the Confessor. A second Metropolitan Church was about this time erected in the City of York, esteem'd in that Age the prime City and Church of Britain. The third Metropolitan Church was then also built at Landaff or Caerleon upon Ʋsk, in which City, (now ruin'd,) were three Noble Churches; one bearing the Title of the Holy Martyr Julius, Beautifi'd with a Monastery of Virgins Consecrated to God. A second founded by the Name of his Companion St. Aaron; And a third famous for being the Metropolitan See of all Cam∣bria;

although Dubritius is mention'd in History to be the first Arch-bishop of the Welsh Britains; concerning the Church of Landaff, and the Superio∣rity of it, something may be gather'd out of the Protestation of Ʋrbanus before Calixtus the second, in the Councel of Rhemes. However, sure it is, that after the coming of St. Augustine the Monk, the Bishop of Landaff hath always been subject to the See of Canterbury.

This King Lucius built another Church also at Dover, in Honour of our Blessed Saviour and his Glorious Mother, and some other Churches else∣where: As this King shew'd himself Munificent in Building of Churches, so also was he Liberal in his Endowments and Priviledges bestow'd upon them, by transferring the Possessions of Idol-Temples to Christian Churches, and further Enriching them with more Lands and greater Immunities; so that some Malefactors might have refuge within their Precincts, which be∣nefit of Sanctuary hath been continu'd and increas'd by most succeeding Princes; neither were the Revenues belonging to Pagan Temples incon∣siderable, for that Religion was very costly; for it is certain, that the Pa∣gan Flamens in London Sacrific'd yearly 40000. Cows, 100000. Sheep, in∣numerable sorts of all Fowl, besides 30000. Savage Beasts, as Staggs, and other Beasts of the Forrest. Besides all this, King Lucius in the 6th. year after his Conversion, Founded a Church and Monastery at Winchester, which he plentifully Endow'd; it is said to be a Church of vast Dimensions, and Adorn'd with an Episcopal Palace, the Possessions of it extended 12. Miles round about the City: This Church was Dedicated to the Honour of our Saviour by Fugatius and Damianus, and Devotus a Monk by them Consti∣tuted the first Abbot; from this time, until the time of Dioclesian, the Monks here quietly serv'd God; after the Rule and Order prescrib'd by St. Mark the Evangelist, and first Bishop of Alexandria, which Rule is thus describ'd by Cas∣sianus, saying, These Monks did not content themselves to retain the order of living, practis'd by the Primitive Christians, whereof we read in the Acts of the Apostles, That they had all things in common, accounted nothing their own, sold their Possessions and laid the price at the Apostles feet, to be divided amongst such as had need: But these Monks aspir'd to practices more sublime, for reti∣ring them to the most secret places, they led a Life of unparallel'd Abstinence and Austerity, in Reading of Holy Scripture day and night, in fervent Prayer, and continual Labour of their Hands, without regard of Food or Sustenance, save only that every second or third day they would receive some slender Sustenance for necessity, not for the satisfaction of their Ape∣tite, and not then until after Sun-set: The Light they spent in Labour or Holy Exercises, Darkness suffic'd for the care of their Bodies. Under the Persecution of Dioclesian, this Holy Fraternity was dissipated, but not long after again restor'd, and their Church Consecrated by Constantius Bishop of Winchester, in the year of Grace 309. taking a new Name from St. Amphi∣bolus, who with St. Alban was Crown'd with Martyrdom; and by this Name Gildas calls it in his relation of the Sons of Mordred, Murder'd by Constantine in this place. It suffer'd a second Eclipse, when the Infidel Saxons laid waste all Holy places in this Island; Howbeit no sooner did the Saxons embrace the Faith of Christ, but they repair'd this Church and Mo∣nastery, after call'd de Hida, and restor'd it to greater Splendor and Magni∣ficence then it had before; in which Splendor and Beauty it continu'd forti∣fy'd by Charters of Kings and Bulls of Popes, untill all Religious Houses were swallow'd up by the sury and Avarice of Henry the VIII. So as St. Edward

the Confessor in his Charter to the Monastery of Westminster prov'd a Pro∣phet, who declar'd, The same Charter should continue in force, so long as the love of Christianity should remain in this Nation.

Our Devout and Wise King Lucius, did not only endow Churches and Monasteries for the present Worship of God, but provided Seminaries of Learning and Piety, for the future increase thereof; the most Famous of which was the School and Monastery of Bangor in North-Wales: It is said to be the first Colledge of Christian Philosophers, but is in some Authors mistaken, for another of that Name in Ʋlster, from whence proceeded the famous Bishop St. Malachias, whose Life is elegantly written by St. Bernard. However this famous Monastery, it seems, prosper'd so well for a long time, that at the coming of St. Augustine into England, more than 2000. Monks were found in it. This King was not only careful to plant and settle the Christian Faith within his own Kingdom, but as many Antient and Credible Records testifie, personally sow'd the Seeds of Christianity in Germany and other Forreign parts, and as some say there ended his days, as his Virgin Sister and Martyr also did.

Fugatius or Phaganus and Damianus being inform'd of St. Joseph and his Companion's retirement to Glastonbury, and their deaths there, visited the place, which they found reduc'd to little better then a Covert of Wild-Beasts, so little encouragement or countenance had the Christian Faith re∣ceiv'd; yet by Divine conduct, they discover'd an Antient Church built by St. Joseph and his Companions, and Consecrated as afore-said, by God him∣self, they also found the Holy-Cross, with several Writings and other Tokens, declaring the place to have been formerly an Habitation of Chri∣stians, and receptable of those prime Disciples. They therefore added ano∣ther Oratory built of Stone, Dedicated to the Honour of St. Peter and St. Paul, and on the Top of the Tor or Mountain, rais'd a Chappel to the Honour of St. Michael the Arch-Angel; And lastly to continue the Service of God which had been interrupted, they establish'd a succession of 12 Devout persons in memory of St. Joseph, and the first 12. which Succession conti∣nu'd till the coming of St. Patrick (the Apostle of Ireland) unto this place. These two Holy men made this place their Retirement for the space of nine years, and there dy'd, and were bury'd, as is believ'd, about the year of our Lord 199. After the Death of Lucius, which happen'd in the 7th. year of Severus, none of the British Race were permitted to reign, but Legats from the Emperour, commanding the Roman Army. In the time of Commodus, little more of moment is mention'd concerning the British Affairs, save that in his time Ʋlpius Marcellus drove back the Caledonian Britains, who had made Irruptions into the Roman Territories in Britain.

The Conversion of Britain was so famous in the Church of God, that Origen takes notice of it; and the Faith of Christ spread it self even unto the Northern parts of this Island within two years after the Death of Lucius, insomuch as Tertullian, who liv'd about these times, cryes out, That those Provinces of Britain, into which the Roman Armies were not able to pierce, yet willingly submitted to the Faith of our Blessed Saviour.

Donaldus then King of those Northern quarters, rejected the Worship of Divels, embrac'd the Faith of Christ, and obtain'd of Pope Victor the 15th. after St. Peter, several Learn'd and Illustrious men to be sent into those Northern parts to Baptize himself, his Wife and Family, with many of his Nobility: Fulgentius a Kinsman of Lucius, was certainly the first who in∣still'd

the love of Christian Verities into the mind of Donaldus, and advis'd him to send to Victor for more perfect Instructions: By the conduct and Courage of this Fulgentius, Donaldus obtain'd a great Victory over the Ro∣mans: Severus himself was sain to engage his own Presence and Authority, to repair this loss by a formidable Army; this great exploit of the Emperour obtain'd him and his Sons the Title of Britanicus: Fulgentius not long after ended his Life at York, then the Imperial City. Severus after this Victory built a new Wall, with frequent Towers, and a vast deep Trench, and then retir'd with his Army to York, but by the way was met and daunted with an Ethiopian Souldier, Cole-black and Crown'd with Cypress, who told him, He had been all, and overcame all, and bid him, now be a God: This was an ill Omen, which, with others of like sort, are said to presage his Death, and indeed it follow'd soon after, in that City where he was with exquisite Ceremonies made a God, but his Ashes with Costly Odours were gather'd into a precious Box, and with great veneration carry'd to Rome.

It is observ'd that these Caledonian Britains, us'd no Garments, but mark'd their Bodies with Pictures and Figures of Beasts, as their chief bra∣very, and from thence no doubt came to be call'd Picts, or a Painted People.

In the fourth year of Antoninus Bassianus dy'd Donaldus, who Coin'd Silver and Gold, marking it on the one side with the Figure of the Saving-Cross, on the other side with his own Face, thereby to propagate the memory of the Christian Faith, first embrac'd by him, among all the Kings of that Nation; he was bury'd in a field with Christian Ceremonies and Solemnities, the same field having been Consecrated with accustom'd Prayers for the Bu∣rial of Christians. By this the present Inhabitants of Scotland may discern the difference between the Christianity of this their first Christen'd King, and that which they have lately chosen instead of it: He would not rest after Death, but in a place Consecrated by the Devotions of Holy Priests, who celebra∣ted his Obsequies according to the Primitive Christian Usage, by making Oblations for him, and offering the most Holy Sacrifice for the Refreshment of his Soul, as St. Cyprian who liv'd not long after, describes the manner or Antient Christian Burial, and justly chargeth Bishop Martialis, With Burying the Children of this Donaldus in the prophane Sepulchres of the Hea∣then. Among other Ceremonies of Christian Burials, this was one, That a Cross was erected upon their Monuments.

Young Amphibalus born at Caerleon upon Ʋsk, was from his tender years bred up in good Literature; and about this time instructed in the Chri∣stian Religion, afterwards he travell'd to Rome, where he spent his time, principally in Reading and Understanding Holy Scriptures, and the Doctrine of Christian Religion, till the beginning of the Cruel Persecution rais'd by Dioclesian: This young man was ordain'd a Priest at Rome, and sent back by the Pope into Britain, and there became (as some say, Bishop of the Isle of Man.

In the year of Grace 221. Pope Zephyrin dy'd, and was succeeded by Cali∣stus, in whose time, one Cadorus is said to be Bishop of London. The Emperour Alexander Severus, a Virtuous Prince, no Enemy to Christianity, which some conceive to have been profess'd by his Mother Mammaea, was in the 14th. year of his reign slain by the Treason of Julius Maximinus, who suc∣ceeded in his place: When Maximinus began his reign, Christian Religion flourish'd, not only in the Southern parts of Britain, but among the Caledo∣nians also, where reign'd Chrathilintus a Christian Prince, Successor of Do∣naldus,

he was instructed by Amphibalus; returning about this time from Rome, (as some say.) At this time St. Pontianus Bishop of Rome govern'd the Church of God. Now the Tyrant Maximinus raising the sixth Persecution, sharpen'd it especially against Bishops and Teachers of the Christian Faith; by his command St. Pontianus suffer'd Martyrdom, being beaten to death with Clubs: To him succeeded St. Antherus a Graecian born, who the year following was likewise put to Death by the same Tyrant Maximinus, who was slain in his fourth year, and the Holy Pope Fabianus sate in the Chair of St. Peter; and about this time, while Gordianus the younger reign'd, the Christian Church enjoy'd great Tranquility, in which calm the Bishops propagated the Faith, many Churches and Altars were erected, and no doubt in this Island; also Obinus Bishop of London, and Conanus his Suc∣cessor, were careful to imitate the Zeal of other Bishops: Nonnius Philippus being Governour of Britain about this time, Gordianus being in his 6th. year was slain by the Treason of Julius Philippus, who succeeded him; Julius himself was also slain by his own Guards: Howbeit, before his death, by the Grace of God, he wash'd away his Sins by Baptisin and Pennance; he was perswaded to embrace Christianity by St. Pontianus, a man of high Dignity; yet because Philip was known to be guilty of many Crimes, he was not presently permitted to enter the Church, until he had modestly conde∣seended to place himself among the Penitent, and confess'd his sins with Re∣verent fear, and Pious affection.

Now though after the death of Lucius, no Britain generally was allow'd the Name of King, yet several Princes of the British Blood exercis'd a Kingly jurisdiction, amongst the rest Coelus had that Title over the Trino∣bantes, Iceni and others, and was the Father of Helena, the Mother of Con∣stantine the Great. She is said to be born in Colchester, the prime City of that Province, which in memory of the Holy Cross found by her, bears in its Arms, A Cross between four Crowns.

Decius after the death of the two Philips, extended his rage to the Re∣ligion by them Profess'd; in whose time many Glorious Martyrs, amongst the rest St. Fabianus Bishop of Rome, who seal'd the firmness of their Reli∣gion with their Blood, although some redeem'd themselves from Sacrificing to Idols, obtain'd Libels, falsely declaring they had Sacrific'd, and from those Libels were call'd Libellatici Lapsi, and Apostates, as they well deserv'd. When afterwards St. Cornelius possess'd St. Peter's Chair, the Novatian Heresie arose, Novatus an African was the Author of it, who coming to Rome, link'd himself with Novatianus, swelling with envy against the Election of St. Cornelius: They excluded the Libellatici and other Crimi∣nals from all hope of Pardon, though they submitted themselves to due Pen∣nance. Gildas calls this Novatus, A black Swine, who trod under-foot our Lords Pearl. St. Augustine concerning the followers of Novatus, bids us, Beware of those, who deny the Church of God Power to forgive all sins, and will not understand how in St. Peter God hath establish'd a Rock, and given the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to his Church. These are they which boast themselves to be Cathari, more pure than the Doctrine of Christ requires.

Decius being betray'd and slain, was succeeded by Gallus and Volusianus, and by their Cruelty St. Lucius who succeeded St. Cornelius in the Roman See, was Crown'd with Martyrdom; these Emperors were soon slain by their own Souldiers, and were succeeded by Valerianus and his Son Gallienus: In the beginning of whose reign, Stephanus the Successor of St. Lucius in

the Apostolick See, instructed, Baptiz'd and Ordain'd St. Mallo or Melanius, a glorious Ornament of our British Nation: He was sent out of Britain to Rome to pay the Emperour Tribute, where, hearing the Doctrine of the Holy Pope Stephen, he renounc'd Paganism, and became a Christian, and after Bishop of Rouen in France. With St. Mallo were Baptiz'd many others by this Pope: After he had Catechiz'd them, and appointed a Fast, and examin'd their Faith: It is observable by how Stupendious a Miracle St. Mallo came to be design'd Bishop of Rouen; whilst on a certain day St. Stephen the Pope was celebrating Mass, both He and St. Mallo saw an Angel standing at the right side of the Altar, when Mass was finish'd, the Angel having a Crosier or Pastoral Staff in his hands, gave it to St. Mallo, saying, Receive this Staff, with which thoushalt govern the Inhabitants of the City of Rouen; and though the Labours of a course of life yet unexperienc'd by thee, may prove burdensom, fear not yet to undertake it, for our Lord Jesus Christ will protect thee under the shadow of his wings: St. Mallo in his journey to∣wards Rouen at Auxerre in Gaul, having in his hand the Staff given him by the Angel, by his fervent Prayer restor'd to Health a man whose foot was cut in two pieces by an Axe: No sooner was St. Mallo arriv'd at Rouen, but he began to Preach the Name of Christ to the Inhabitants, with such efficacy of Speech, and Power of Miracles, enforc'd by the Sanctity of his Life, that in short time he brought the whole City to the obedience of Christ. This great change is said to be wrought, especially at a time when most of the People were Assembled to perform an abominable Sacrifice to one of their false Deities; for St. Mallo coming amongst them, enflam'd with a Heavenly Zeal, reprov'd their Stupidity, in Worshiping a Senseless Stock for a God: He calls upon the Name of Christ, makes the triumphant sign of the Cross, immediately down tumbles the Idol in the sight of them all, so that with the word of his mouth alone, he broke it in pieces, and by this means a great multitude thus astonish'd, receiv'd his instruction, em∣brac'd the Doctrine of Faith, and were Purify'd by the Water of Baptism.

In the same place from whence this Saint thus expell'd the Divel, he built a Church in Honour of the Holy Trinity, where the People Assembled every Sunday, and were instructed in the perfect Worship of God, where the unbloody Sacrifice was offer'd, and the means of attaining Salvation were Communicated: He also built there other Churches for the like Holy purposes; and having begotten many thousand Souls to Christ in the year of Grace 280. ended his Life and Labours, and departed to his Eternal rest.

Valerian at first seeming to favour the Christians, raiseth afterwards the 8th. Persecution against them, wherein the Holy Pope S. Stephen was Crown'd with Martyrdom; him succeeded St. Sixtus, the second of that Name, who in the same year tasted of the same Cup; and in Sixtus's place sate St. Dionysius. Valerian soon after was taken Prisoner by Sapores King of Per∣sia, where he liv'd many years in Slavery, and dy'd in great misery; his Son Gallienus succeeding him in the Empire, and yet never going about to redeem him; perhaps he wanted Power; for in his short reign, no fewer than 30 Tyrants assum'd the Title of Emperour in several Provinces of the Roman World, after he had reign'd about five years Luxuriously and Sloth∣fully, he was slain by the Treachery of Claudius his next Successor, with his Brother and Children.

This Claudius was highly esteem'd of the Romans for his Courage, Wis∣dom and moral Virtues; yet was he a Persecutor of Christians. After his

death his Brother Quintillus for some few days made a bustle as Emperour, but was soon slain by his Soldiers: Howbeit this misfortune of that Flavian Family, was in some sort recompens'd, in that Crispus another Brother of Claudius, had a Daughter call'd Claudia, Mother to Constantius Chlorus, who establish'd the Empire in his Family for many Generations.

Of all the late Usurpers of the Roman Empire, there remain'd only two when Aurelianus came to be Emperour, Zenobia in the East Queen of Palmy∣rene, and Tetricus in the West; Aurelianus began with Zenobia, a Lady of Masculine Courage, yet with much difficulty he subdu'd her, and led her in Triumph to Rome, where she and her Off-spring liv'd in a private, but Splended Estate. Then march'd the Emperour against Tetricus, with whom also conspir'd the British Army, yet he afterwards surrender'd himself to the Emperour, and was not only permitted to live, but intrusted with Go∣vernment. In this Expedition, Aurelianus was accompany'd with Constan∣tius Chlorus, who here laid the foundation of bringing the Empire into his own Family; for by his Courage and Conduct in relieving Ausburg, and deseating the Germans who Besieg'd it, he gain'd such favour from the Em∣perour, that he was trusted with an Army into Britain, then unquiet and dis-affected; yet did Constantius so well prosper there, that he Married the British Lady St. Helenae, and laid the grounds of strange Revolutions, not only in his own Family, but in the Church of God; For now it was that the Glorious Emperour Constantine the Great was born, and Educated by his Holy Mother, at least in the love of Christianity, if not in the Profes∣sion of it; so as in a few years, the Catholick Church was by him, not only freed from Persecution, but made to triumph over Pagan Idolatry, and the Kingdom of Hell.

Paulus Samosatenus having broach'd a most execrable Heresie, by which he deny'd the Divinity of the Son of God, was in a Synod of Eastern Bishops reduc'd from his Error; But upon his relapse was Excommunicated and De∣pos'd from his Bishoprick of Antioch: This Arch-Heretick refusing to re∣linquish his See, the Bishops gave an account of his Obstinacy to Dionysius Bishop of Rome, The Emperour Aurelianus was desir'd to pronounce Sen∣tence therein, who in a manner like a Christian Decreed, That the possession of the said Bishoprick, should be given to such, to whom the Bishop of Rome and other Western Bishops should assign it; And so Paulus was utterly ex∣pell'd from his Church.

Two Voyages of Constantius Chlorus are mention'd in Story; The first, in the fourth year of Aurelian's reign, he was then only a Senator, or Patri∣cian, but sent with an Army to reclaim the Britains, who were too apt to adhere to such Tyrants who Usurp'd the Empire, yet was with all quietness receiv'd as the Emperour's Lieutenant; his Voyage into Britain was pro∣sperous, Victory rather expected him there, then accompany'd him thither, he made himself welcom by his Mercy and Clemency, in forbearing to In∣sult over his Conquer'd Enemies, by his Justice in awarding restitution to such as were Pillag'd, by his Providence in gaining the Affections of the Inhabitants, by giving liberty to the Captives, and forbearing to punish Offenders, and winning them to Repentance. He apply'd himself more par∣ticularly to Coelus before-nam'd, and entring into a firm League with him, Espous'd his Daughter Helena, not long after which Marriage Coelus dy'd, and Constantius in the right of his Wife, became possess'd of her Fathers Principality. The year after this happy Marriage, and as a Blessed effect

thereof, was born Constantine the Great; Great not only in subduing the Enemies of Rome, and reducing the Empire to a Peaceable and flourishing Estate, but also in destroying the Power of Satan, and advancing the King∣dom of God over prevailing Idolatry.

That this great Emperour was born in this Island, is acknowledg'd and prov'd by the most credible Authors; the particular place of his Birth is more question'd, some say it was York, some London, but most think Colchester, where Helena and her Father usually resided; that Town being girt with a Wall at the Costs of Helena. Some Greek Authors will have Constantine to be born elsewhere; but their fancy therein hath been prov'd by the most Learn'd and Impartial Authors fond and improbable, especially by the Testimony of our Glorious Bishop St. Adelm, who liv'd not above 300. years after Constantine; and in his excellent Treatise of Virginity, ex∣presly affirms, That St. Helena was a British Lady; And his Treatise, ha∣ving been highly extoll'd by St. Bede, gives great advantage to our Assertion. However St. Helena hath been disgracefully spoken of by some Authors, as the Concubine, and not the Wife of Constantine, yet it may be easily prov'd that they constantly Co-habited as Man and Wife, in a Lawful and Chaste Marriage, by the uncontested Succession of Constantine their Son in the Em∣pire, and by other undenyable Testimonies: And Barronius concludes, We are of necessity compell'd to agree, that Helena was the Lawful Wife of Con∣stantius: Insomuch as the Emperour Justinian made a Decree in her Ho∣nour, wherein he sets forth, How much she was Honour'd by her Pious Son Constantine, and how much the Church of God hath been beholding to her, for finding our Blessed Saviours Cross. True it is, that as some have cast impu∣tations upon this Holy Woman, as to her Birth, and the Lawfulness of her Marriage; so some also have question'd the Integrity of her Religion: All which, notwithstanding her Birth, her Marriage, her Devotion, her Zeal and Piety in seasoning her Son in Christian Principles, are clearly attested by the sincerest and gravest Authors.

Aurelianus whilst he liv'd, was an Inhumane adversary of Gods Truth, and rais'd the ninth Persecution, Britain only remain'd free from Violence, under the moderate Government of Constantius, not averse from Christianity▪ After seven years reign Aurelianus was slain by his own Souldiers; him Ta∣citus succeeded, who dying after six months; Probus renown'd for Mili∣tary Virtues was chosen; It is said the Senate wish'd him, and the Army chose him, and the People with Acclamations approv'd his Election: Du∣ring his Reign, by the re-calling of Constantius, many Troubles arose in Britain, especially from Bonosus of British extract. Probus after five years reign, was slain by his own Army, and Carus Manlius Aurelius chosen in his stead, who created his two Sons Carinus and Numerianus Caesarus; Carus was kill'd by Lightning, Numerianus and Carinus by Treachery.

Doclesian after the Death of Carus, was pronounc'd Emperour by the Army, and prov'd the Author of the last, but longest and most dreadful Persecution, that ever the Church of God suffer'd: Carinus being slain, Dio∣clesian assum'd Maximianus as his Companion in the Empire; they conspir'd in a resolution to extirpate Christianity, and defend the Adoration of their Pagan Gods: There never was given a stronger proof of the Churches be∣ing founded upon a Rock, then the unsuccessfulness of the rage of these two Emperours against it: They had the whole Power of the World in their Hands, they were eminent for Valour, Wisdom and Policy, they go∣vern'd

the Empire above 20 years, imploy'd all their time, without relaxa∣tion, in suppressing the Truth of Christ: They omitted no Temp∣tations by Favours or Terrours, to withdraw the Servants of Jesus from Worshipping him, no Torments were wanting, publick and private persons were Arm'd to destroy the poor Christians, not only singly, one by one, but whole Armies of them were Butcher'd together; to Disgrace the Chri∣stians, and to oppress them, was the ready way to Preferment; yet with all this the Christian Religion was so far from being destroy'd, that it gain'd more Souls to Christ, than the Sermons of the Devoutest Preachers could do, in times of Peace; Insomuch, as these two vain-glorious and malicious Princes, seeing all their endeavours against Christ to become fruitless, through Despair depos'd themselves from the Government of the World, which they had undertaken principally in design to destroy the Truth of Christ.

This Island of Britain divided from the World, and so exempted from Persecutions, yet smarted under the Cruelty of these Bloody Emperours, and by the Martyrdom of St. Albanus, St. Amphibalus, St. Julius, St. Aaron and their Associats, afforded a Glorious Example, of Conquering the World and Hell it self by Faith and Patience. By all circumstances these Holy Martyrs suffer'd about the beginning of Dioclesians reign, in the year of our Lord 286. as St. Bede expresly testifies. Edicts for the persecution of the Christians were about this time first sent into Britain, which might per∣haps occasion Amphibalus to return a second time into his Native Country, to Convert men in the Faith of Christ. He is said first to six at Verulam, in the House of Albanus, an eminent Citizen there, and descended of an Illustrious Roman Family, and the Emperour's Questor or Treasurer. He re∣ceived St. Amphibalus, though a stranger to him, with great Kindness and Liberality; but understanding he was a Christian, privately question'd him How he could pass safely to that City through so many Regions of Gentiles? The question was pertinent, and thus answer'd by Amphibalus, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, (saith he) preserv'd me safe from all dangers, and sent me into this Province for the Salvation of many, that by Preaching his Faith, I might prepare a People acceptable to him. Who is this Son of God, (reply'd Albanus?) Can God be said to be born, these are strange Speeches, which I never heard of before? I desire to know your Opinion of these matters? The Holy man answer'd, Our Faith teacheth us to acknowledge the Father to be God, and the Son also to be God, who in Infinite Mercy vouchsafed to take our slesh upon him, for the Salvation of Mankind, that he might redeem us by suffer∣ing Death. And then discours'd at large of the Birth, Passion, Resurrecti∣on and Ascention of Christ. Concluding, If you, O Albanus, will believe these things to be true, you will receive Power, by calling on the Name of Christ, to Cure any Infirm or Sick person. And the Truth is, I am come to this City on purpose to Preach to you, the healthful Doctrine of our Lords Passion, because our merciful God will reward your kind Offices of Humanity and Hospitality, to which you frequently addict your self, which is the inestimable recompense of Eter∣nal Happiness. Then Albanus ask'd him, What Honour and Worship must I exhibit to Christ, in case I embrace the Faith? The other answer'd, Believe this, that our Lord Jesus, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost, is one God, and thou wilt have perform'd a work of high esteem in his sight. Then Albanus reply'd, What is all this; sure thou art mad, thou know'st not what thou say'st? no Humane understanding or Reason can apprehend these things:

But be sure of this, that if the Inhabitants of this City come to know, thou mak••st such discourse of Christ, without delay they will put thee to a cruel death. For my own part I am very sollicitous on thy behalf, for fear some mischief befall thee, before thou departest from hence. Having said this, he went away much disturb'd: As for St. Amphibalus, he spent the night alone in watching and Prayer: The same night a wonderful Vision from Heaven was presen∣ted to Albanus sleeping; with which being awak'd he went to his Guest, and said to him, Friend, if those things which thou told'st me lately concerning Christ be true; I pray thee, to tell me freely the meaning of my Dream.

Me thought I saw a certain man come down from Heaven, and present∣ly an innumerable multitude of men laid hold of him, and tormented him all the ways they could devise; they bound his Hands with Chains, they tore his Flesh most grievously with Whips, they hung him on a Tree, stretching his Hands across; he was quite naked, not having Shooes on his Feet; his Hands and Feet were fastned to the Wood with Nails, his side was pierc'd through with a Spear; and from his Wound, as it seem'd to me, there flow'd both Blood and Water; in his right Hand they put a Reed, and on his Head they put a Crown of Thorns: And after this bar∣barous Cruelty, they insult over him with despiteful Speeches, saying to him, Hail King of the Jews, if thou art the Son of God, come down from the Cross, and we will believe in thee: And although they continu'd a long while thus reviling him, the young man answer'd never a word, but at last cryed out with a loud voice, and said, Father into thy Hands, I commend my Spirit: And so Expir'd; His lifeless Body was afterwards taken down from the Cross, the Blood issuing abundantly out of it: They then laid him in a Sepulchre of stone, sealing the Monument, and setting Guards to watch it: But then follow'd a wonderful thing, for the Bloodless Carcass return'd to Life, and re-suming former strength, came out of the Sepulchre Seal'd as aforesaid: I my self with my own Eyes, saw him how he rose again. Then came from Heaven certain men cloath'd with Vestments white as Snow, and taking the Man with them, return'd from whence they came, attended by an infinite number of others in like Garments, which all the way ceas'd not to sing Praises, Blessing the Father. I not knowing who he was, with his Son, saying, Blessed be God the Father, with his only begotten Son. They express'd such wonderful joy, as nothing could be compar'd to it: These things I saw, with many others, which I neither will, or ought to declare; I beseech thee tell me what is signify'd by these things thus re∣presented to me; fear not any danger to your self, but speak freely?

The Holy man Amphibalus having heard this, sensibly felt his Heart vi∣sited by our Lord with all joy, and presently taking out a Crucifix, which he had about him secretly, said to Albanus, Behold in this Figure and Image thou may'st manifestly perceive, the meaning and importance of thy last nights Vision; for the Man which came from Heaven is this Jesus my Lord, who re∣fus'd not to undergo the punishment of the Cross, that by his Blood, he might free us from the guilt, which we had contracted, by the Transgression of our first Father Adam. Now these men which laid violent hands upon him, and so af∣flicted him, were his own People the Jews: For though they had a promise from God, that he would send unto them from Heaven his own Son; yet when He whom they so much, and so long expected, was come, they would not acknowledge him, to be the Author of their Salvation, but contradicted him in every thing; return'd to him Evil for Good, and Hatred for his Love. And at last stir'd up

with extream envy and malice against him, they broke out into such horrible Impiety, that they laid hold on him, Crucify'd and Murder'd him. Thus it was that our Lord redeem'd us with the price of his own Blood: Thus by Dying he be∣came victorious over death; For being rais'd upon the Cross, he drew all to him; for descending voluntarily to the enclosures of Hell, he freed from captivity his own Servants detain'd there, and binding the Divel in everlasting Chains, he cast him into utter darkness.

Then Albanus fill'd with wonder, broke out in these words, All that thou hast said of Christ is most true; for the last night I evidently perceiv'd, and with mine own eyes saw, how Christ overcame the Divel, how he bound him, and thrust him down into the bottom of Hell, where the damnable wretch lyes fast bound with Chains: So that knowing what hath been told by thee is true, from this moment I profess, I will be thy most obedient Disciple. Tell me therefore, for I know thou art Ignorant of nothing, how I must behave my self to the Father and Holy Ghost, now that I profess my self a servant of the Son? Amphibalus at this question, gave thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, for that Albanus of himself had the knowledge to pronounce those three Adorable Names, and bid him, believe firmly, and profess faithfully, that those three persons so ex∣prest by him in their proper Names, are one only God. I believe, (saith St. Albanus) and my firm Faith is, that there is no other God, besides my Lord Je∣sus Christ, who for the Salvation of Mankind, took our Nature upon him, and suffer'd death upon the Cross. He, together with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, is one only God, and besides him there is no other. And having said this, he often cast himself Prostrate before the Crucifix, as if he had seen our Lord Jesus himself hanging on the Cross, carnestly begging Pardon for his sins: He often affectionately kiss'd his Saviours feet and places of his Wounds, as if he had seen him Crucify'd; Tears with Blood flow'd abundantly from his Eyes upon the venerable Cross, and these words from his mouth, I re∣nounce the Divel, and detest all the Enemies of our Lord, to whom I wholly re∣sign myself. Amphibalus then bad him be of good Courage, saying, Our Lord is with thee, whose Grace will never be wanting to thee: The saving Faith which others attain by the Ministry of men, thou hast learn'd by the Re∣velation of Christ himself; And therefore being assur'd of thy constancy, my purpose is to leave thee, and Travel further, that I may shew the way of Truth to other Gentiles also.

But Albanus prevail'd with him, to stay a week longer, that he might be more perfectly instructed in the Faith by him. This Narration of St. Alban's Conversion, is attested by a very Antient and Credible Author: We shall now proceed to the History of his glorious Martyrdom.

He having been thus Instructed, Baptiz'd and Confirm'd in the Faith by Amphibalus, was at last contented with his departure, but exhorted him to take care of his safety; and in order thereunto, disguis'd him in his own Military Vestment, woven with Gold, that he might the more safely pass through the Soldiers: Early in the morning Amphibalus takes his slight Northward, conducted part of the way by Albanus; at last they parted with Tears, Amphibalus hastens into Wales. Albanus returns into the City, cloath'd with the Caracalla, or long Ecclesiastical Robe of Am∣phibalus, and now left alone made great hast in his journey to Immortality: All the enticements of the World became odious to him, he found no pleasure but in Prayers and Tears at the foot of our Lords Cross; he burn'd with a desire to requite the Love of Christ by dying for him. His Do∣mesticks

and Neighbours observing the wonderful change in his manner of Life, began to suspect, and quickly found out the true cause of it; so that in a short time he is publickly known for a Deserter of Heathenish Supersti∣tion, and therefore complain'd of unto, and conven'd before the Roman Magistrate, to whom a certain Gentile had discover'd what ever pass'd between St. Albanus and St. Amphibalus; This Magistrate thus Incens'd commanded they should both be brought before him; St. Amphibalus be∣ing departed, the Soldiers found only St. Albanus in his strange Habit, at his Prayers with naked feet before the Cross of our Lord, and ask'd him, where the Clark was, whom he had entertain'd? He answered, That the Holy man was under the Protection of God, and fear'd not the Threats of Men: When they heard this, they laid hands on him, bound him with Chains, and violently drew him away, some pulling at his Garments, some at his Hair: He had still upon him the Vestment of his Master, knowing the sight of it was enough to make him odious; he carried also in his hand the Image of our Lord, that he might only appear a Servant of the Cross: Being come before the Judge, he was examin'd in many particulars, but all his Answer was, That he was Albanus, and a Christian; which he pro∣fess'd with great liberty of Speech: The Judge enquir'd of him, What became of the Clark who was sent by one call'd Christ, to delude and seduce the People of this City. Had he not (saith the Judge) had a guilty Conscience, and been distrustful of his own Cause, this worthy Master of yours, would have freely presented himself before us, to defend both Himself and his Disciples; But by his own Carriage, he makes known the falseness and Fraudulence of his Doctrine, since he deserts thee, and is Cowardly run away from thee; whom, if his Cause had been good, he ought to have justify'd, though with hazard of his Life: So as I suppose thou now perceiv'st how silly a Fellow he was, who seduc'd thee into Errours, and brought thee by his idle suggestions into such a Frenzy, as not only to renounce all worldly Advantages, but to contemn the immortal Gods; the injury against whom, since we ought not to leave unpu∣nish'd, my purpose was to have reveng'd it by the death of the prophane Delin∣quent: But seeing humane frailty is such, that there is none, but are obnoxious to Errour, thou mayest yet by Repentance escape the indignation of the Gods, and make them propitious to thee, if thou wilt now renounce this abominable Sect.

Hereto Albanus Answer'd, It were a very easie matter to declare how vain and impertinent this long discourse of yours is; for if it had seem'd good or agreeable to either of us; That Holy Clark would not have fail'd to have been here: But I confess his stay here could not be pleasing to me, who well know how prone to mischief this People hath ever been: The Doctrine taught by that good man, I have heartily embrac'd, neither can I repent me of it; for the Faith which I profess will be prov'd to be Holy and Divine, by the Testi∣mony of Sick and Infirm People, who by virtue thereof shall receive Health. I will no longer Sacrifice to your Gods, nor fear your Threats or Torments, being secure under the protection of my good Lord.

This being said, at the command of the Judge, he was Cruelly Scourg'd by the Officers for refusing to Sacrifice; during which Torment, he lifted up his Eyes to our Lord, and with a chearful countenance said, O Lord Jesus Christ, I beseech thee keep this mind and good resolution, which thou hast given me, firm and stable: My desire is, O my God, to offer up my Soul a whole Burnt Sacrifice to thy Glory, and with my Blood to Seal thy Truth. But when the Officers were weary with tormenting him, the Holy man was

thrust into a deep Dungeon, where he continu'd six Months. All the Elements soon bare witness of the injury done unto him; and from the time of his Apprehension to his Death, neither Rain nor Dew refresh'd the Earth, the Winds were whist, and the Region thereabout parch'd with excessive Heat of the Sun, even in the night-time the stifing heat was intollerable, neither Fields nor Trees produced any Fruit, so that the whole World fought in the quarrel of this just man against his Impious Enemies; insomuch as this excessive Heat and Drought, Heathens them∣selves took notice of, though they apply'd it to other purposes.

The Infidel Judge expected that the Constancy of the Holy Martyr would have been broken and spent, by a tedious and painful Imprison∣ment; whereas on the contrary, his solitude, which gave him opportuni∣ty to unite himself to God by Prayer, increas'd and strengthned his Courage.

The Author of his Life hath thus exemplify'd one of his Prayers, O Lord Je∣sus Christ, do not permit the Divels malice so much to prevail, as by his cun∣ing machinations, and this Peoples relenting, my suffering for thee may be hindred.

Not long after being come out of Prison to suffer, and addressing his Speech to the unbelieving People, who flock'd to see him, he told them, He was an irreconcilable Enemy of their False Gods, the works of mens Hands, unworthy of Honour, as having no Divinity, they themselves could not but ob∣serve, that these their Idols, neither See, Hear nor Ʋnderstand any thing, and that it could be no other then detestable vanity to expect Life from them which have no Life, to pray to those who could not Hear, to expect safety or Happiness from them, which were not sensible of the least good to themselves: He there∣fore protests, that whoever Honours such dead Idols, must renounce all reason, for whom can be more desperately miscrable, than he who suffers himself to be en∣slav'd to Puppets of his own fashioning. Wo therefore to Idels, but greater Wo to their Adorers.

From hence may easily be observ'd, that this Holy Martyr who thus ear∣nestly inveighs against Idolatry, yet with great Devotion Venerates the Cross of our Lord, so far is the respect and Honour given by the Catholick Church to Sacred things from any taint of Idolatry: And Tertullian in his Apology for Christians, testifies, That although they Ador'd the Cross, yet Idols, and all their Ornaments were detested by them, and abominable unto them.

When these invectives against Idols were utter'd by St. Alban, Sentence of Death was pronounc'd against him, and he was led to Execution, to a place call'd Holmburst, a Plain cloath'd with all sorts of Flowers, a fit Theater for so Glorious a Martyr: Albanus being thus led to his Death, came to a River, which with a swift Torrent ran between a Wall on the one side, and a Sandy-shore on the other, where the Holy Martyr was to be Beheaded; there he saw great multitudes of all Conditions, Ages and Sects, which no doubt by Divine instinct, were assembled to Honour his Death; and they so choak'd the passage of the Bridge, that before night they could not all have pass'd over: As for the Judge, he had no intenti∣on of any respect to the Martyr, but stay'd behind in the City. St. Alba∣nus therefore enflam'd with a Devout desire of a speedy Martyrdom, ap∣proach'd near the River, and lifting up his Eyes with Prayer to God, the River became presently dry, so as the Water gave free way to the passengers, by the Prayer of the Martyr to this effect, O Lord Jesus Christ, from whose most Holy side, I my self, in a Vision, saw both Water and Blood

to flow; I beseach thee, to cause these Waters to be diminish'd, and the floud to return back, that the People without prejudice or danger, may be present at my Sufferings. He had no sooner pray'd thus, but the Channel was imme∣diately dry, his Tears left no other water in the River, the Power of his Prayer emptied the Torrent and clear'd a safe passage for the People.

The Officer who conducted St. Alban to his Death, by the merits of the Holy Martyr obtain'd Eternal Happiness; for seeing the Miracles, he threw away his Sword, and casting himself at the Holy Martyr's feet, beg'd his pardon; which when the People saw, they laid hold on the Man, beat out his Teeth, and in a manner broke all his Bones. This Pagan Souldier thus of a Persecutor, chang'd into a Lover of the true Faith, and willing to die for and with St. Alban, the other Officers were at a stand and knew not what to do.

It is further related,

That the Holy Martyr ascending the Hill, the People at the top thereof, were tormented with extremity of Thirst; the Martyr kneeling down Pray'd to God, The People might receive no harm by his occasion; Upon which brake presently forth a Fountain at his Feet, and with a rapid course flow'd down the Hill, so that all the Peoples Thirst was satisfi'd. In the mean time another Executioner was appointed, who to his great Unhappiness discharg'd that Impious Office, and with his Sword cut off the Holy Martyr's Head kneeling in Prayer to God, and Kissing the Crucifix which he held in his Hand: And immediately, O wonderful! Almighty God by the suddain loss of this Executioners Eyes, testified the Holy Martyr's Innocence; for together with the Martyr's Head, those re∣morseless Eyes sell to the ground.

With St. Alban the poor Converted Souldier was also Beheaded, who by Divine Instinct refus'd to put the Holy Confessor to Death; and doubt∣less, though this new Convert was not outwardly cleansed with the water of Baptism, yet being wash'd in the Laver of his own Blood, he became wor∣thy to be admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven. His Name is said to be Heraclius; of whom it is further reported, That being left half dead, by the Peoples Stroaks, as aforesaid, and creeping on his hands and feet to∣ward the Crowd, he was mock'd by one of the Judges, And bid to address himself to his Patron Albanus, (then newly Executed) and Pray him to re∣store Soundness to his bruis'd Limbs; Run, (saith the Scoffing Judge) make hast, joyn thy Patrons Head to his Body; no doubt, thou wilt not fail of Health; Bury the dead Carcass, and thou may'st be sure, whilst it is in thy Hands it will afford a Cure. The Souldier reply'd, I do verily believe, that this blessed Saint by his merits, can restore unto me my perfect Health: So that what you speak in Derision, may in earnest be fulfill'd to me. Having said this, he imbrac'd the Martyr's Head, and adjoyning it to the Body, be∣came immediately sound. When the Infidels saw this, they were fill'd with Envy, and bound him with Chains, tearing his Body with several sorts of Tortures, and in the end cut off his Head.

How acceptable to Almighty God these Martyrdoms were, was present∣ly declar'd from Heaven in a wonderful manner; for behold, the night following their Sufferings, a Pillar of Light was seen to raise it self from the Grave of St. Alban up to Heaven, by which Angels ascended and de∣scended, spending the whole night in Hymns and Praises to God, repeat∣ing also these words, The Illustrious Albanus is now a glorious Martyr of Christ. As Venantius in his Poem for that purpose Elegantly sets forth.

Who this Author of St. Alban's Life was, is unknown, he was certainly of more Antiquity than St. Bede; his Book was found in the Monastery of St. Alban; and concerning the Persecution thus rais'd in Britain by Diocle∣sian, gives us this Account.

That Almighty God, who is willing all men should be sav'd; to magnifie his Mercy to this our Country, least it should be invellop'd in Darkness, was pleas'd to Enlighten it, with the shining Lamps of his Holy Martyrs; the places of whose Sufferings, and the Se∣pulchres of whose Bodies, might enflame us with Divine Love, were not an access to those places, deny'd us by our Barbarous Enemies; the place I mean, where repose the Bodies of St. Alban at Verulam, St. Aaron and Julian at Caerleon, and many others in several Quarters, who have stood up Courageously in our Lords Army; of which the first St. Alban, after he had with much Charity, entertain'd in his House, and secur'd from danger the Holy Confessor St. Amphibalus, offer'd himself to persecution with won∣derful Miracles, was in his Confession glorified by God, walk'd with thousands after him dry-foot over the River, while the waters stood as a Rock on both sides of them; by which wonder his design'd Executioner from a Woolf became a Lamb, and valiantly receiv'd the Triumphant Palm of Martyrdom.

It will not be amiss to shew here, with what Piety and Reverence Chri∣stians in all Ages behav'd themselves to ward the Ashes and Sacred Reliques of our Holy Martyrs: The Persecuting Infidels knowing this well, us'd all manner of despight to these Holy Reliques, endeavouring all they could to hide or consume them with Fire, and cast the Ashes before the wind. The Body of Sebastiane, who suffer'd soon after St. Alban, they cast into a com∣mon Sink, least the Christians should make him their Martyr. And again, three years after the President threatn'd St. Tharacus, That he would not dis∣patch him at once. but would make an end of him by piece-meal; and that the remainder of his Carcass should be devour'd by Beasts: Tharacus bid him, Do what he did quickly; To whom the President reply'd, Thou thinkest Villain, that after thy death silly Women shall Embalm thy Body with Rich Ʋnguents and Spices, but I will destroy thee and thy Relicks, least foolish Women should Ho∣nour thee so.

And concerning the Martyr Andronicus, that President who condemned him, Decreed, He should be consum'd to Ashes, least some of his Consorts, or foolish Women, should gather up any of them and preserve them, as if they were some precious or holy Thing: Yet for all this, when some Devout Christians endeavoured to find their Ashes by night, mingled and confounded with other Malefactors, three bright Torches, like Stars appeared over their Bodies, and conducted those Devout Christians to discover those Ashes and Reliques, and decently to inter them. This was the practice of Christians in those days, but condemn'd by the Manicheans as Superstitious: St. Augu∣stine confutes their Errour, by distinguishing the Veneration due to Saints, which he calls Doulia, from the supream Degree of Adoration due only to God, which he terms Latria.

Our Gildas having thus related the Martyrdom of our Proto-Martyr St. Alban, shews what a change happen'd in Britain nine years after, when the fury of this Persecution ceas'd, For then (saith he) all the devout Soldiers of Christ, with joyful Eyes beheld and receiv'd the Calm and Lightsomness follow∣ing so tedious a Winters-night. Then they began to restore demolish'd Churches, they new founded Sacred Temples, Consecrated to the Honour

of Holy Martyrs; these they Adorn, and in them Celebrate publick Festi∣vities and Pure Sacrifices, as manifest Trophies after their Victory: This Happy change began soon after the Tyrants Carausius and Alectus were van∣quish'd by Constantius, who in the year of Grace 292. was Created Caesar, and receiv'd the Government of Britain. Gregory the Great was not then the first who brought into Britain the Custom of Dedicating Churches to the Honour of Martyrs; for Germanus and Lupus, before the Entrance of the Saxons, came into this Island, there to root out the Pelagian Heresy, and found here Erected to the Honour of St. Alban, in the place where by shed∣ding his Blood he so Triumph'd, a Famous Church, which with great De∣votion he Visited, and there pay'd his Thanks to God, for his Victory over the Pelagian Heresy: He open'd the Holy Martyr's Sepulchre, and as an Honour to him, Repos'd in it, several Reliques of Apostles and Martyrs, which he brought over out of France with him; and because he would not depart, without the Holy Martyr's protection, he took a lump of Earth from the place where the Martyr's Blood was shed; and at his return into France, carry'd it to his own See, from whence the Veneration of St. Alban spread it self over all France, and after into Germany also.

By a contest between the Monks of St. Alban and Ely, in Edward the II's. time, it is put out of doubt, that the Body of this Holy Martyr was Bury'd at St. Albans; for the Monks of Ely contending before that King, that the said Martyrs Body lay among them; the King commanded his pretended Tomb there should be open'd; which being done, nothing was found in it, but a course Hair-garment, sprinkled with Blood in the upper part of it, as fresh as if it had been lately shed, which Garment questionless was the Caracalla before-mention'd: It is no wonder this poor Garment should with Venera∣tion be preserv'd by these Monks of Ely, for God hath declar'd this to be ac∣ceptable to him by many Miracles, witness St. Gregory Nazianzen, who hath thus written, That a little portion of Dust, a particle of Bones, a little Hair, part of the Vestment, the sprinkl'd marks of a Martyr's Blood, ought to have as much Veneration as the whole Body: He adds further, That he had known where only the Name of a Martyr attributed to a place, had produc'd the same Virtue, that his whole Body would have done; and then he cryes out, O won∣ful! the Memory alone of a Martyr is sufficient in my Opinion to confer Health.

The first that here follow'd St. Alban in his rough way of Martyrdom, was St. Amphibalus, who first shew'd him the way to Heaven: The con∣stancy of St. Alban, the Miracles before and after his Death stir'd up divers, of those who were Spectators of his Death, or amaz'd with the wonders which accompany'd it, to abandon their Idols, and seek out St. Amphibalus, that from his Lips the Doctriue of Christ might be instill'd into their Hearts; To that purpose they undertook a journey into Wales, where they found him Preaching the Word of Life, to the people of that Region; to him they presented the Cross which he had given to his Disciple St. Alban, and which was sprinkled with his fresh Blood, and so was a manifest token of his late Martyrdom; and upon which St. Amphibalus, after he had given Thanks to God, made a Sermon of Christian Religion to his Auditors, in number about 1000. who having heard the Sermon embrac'd his Doctrine, and chearfully receiv'd from his Sacred Hands, as a Seal of their Faith, the Holy Baptism: The departure of so great a Multitude from Verulam, rais'd so great an Animosity against those Deserters of their Religion and City in the Hearts of the Infidels, that they resolv'd to pursue them with Arm'd Forces,

hoping to find Amphibalus in their Company, which they soon did, and took him in his usual Office of Preaching to his new Converts: Such was their rage, that without distinction of Sex or Age, they Mercilesly put all their Countrey-men to the Sword, Neighbours, murdering Neighbours; Friends, Friends; and Kinsmen, Kinsmen; and all of them rushing with violence upon Amphibalus, they check him, With deceiving the People, and teaching them to trample under-foot the Laws Imperial, and contemn the Gods, Of which Reproaches the Holy Man takes no notice, but with joy recom∣mends the Souls of his Murder'd Converts unto the living God.

Where the place of this Slaughter was, is uncertain, some say amongst the Silures, others say at Litchfield, lying in the way from Verulam towards Wales; where-ever it was, St. Amphibalus was from thence driven on his bare feet, with his Arms strait bound, back again to Verulam; by the way, although thus Hamper'd, he had yet the Power to loose a Sick person from the bands of his Infirmity, Calling upon him for help, and declaring that he firmly believ'd, his Health should be restor'd unto him, if Amphibalus the Ser∣vant of the most high God, would vouchsafe to intercede for him in the Name of Christ. Which he soon did, and behold in the sight of them all the sick person immediately arose perfectly recover'd.

When the Holy man, after his tedious and painful journey, came to the Confines of Verulam, his Cruel Persecutors strip'd him of his Garments, and fastning a Stake in the ground, they with a Sword rip'd up his Belly, and tying the end of his Guts about the Stake, with Cruel Whipping, they forc'd the Holy Martyr to walk about it, and so enwrap it with his Bowels; and yet not content with this Cruelty, they Inhumanely mangled the rest of his Body with Knives and Lances. The man of God all this while stood with a chearful Countenance, as if he had suffer'd nothing, the more he was tor∣tur'd, the more constant he appear'd; when the wonder was, he should re∣main yet alive: This constancy of his stir'd up many of the Spectators to renounce their Idols, and submit to the Faith of Christ, beseeching the Holy man to Pray to God for them, that they might partake of Eternal Happiness, for the obtaining whereof, they were ready to lay down their lives: The chief Magistrate perceiving this, commands the Officers to put all these new Converts to Death, which they soon perform'd, to the num∣ber of about 1000. persons, whose Souls the Blessed Martyr in the midst of his Tortures recommended to our Lord.

One of the By-standers, louder then the rest, thus upbraided the man of God, O pityless wretch, (said he) why hast thou deceiv'd these simple People with thy fraudulent Specehes, withdrawing them from the Worship of the Gods; by thy perswasion we have lost our Friends and Parents: Although thou hast above mea∣sure incens'd both Gods and Men, yet now at last by thy Repentance, thou may'st receive their Pardon and Favour: Signifie thy repentance, by renouncing that im∣pious Sect, which hitherto thou hast follow'd, and yet adore the Omnipotent Gods, which perhaps through Ignorance thou hast offended; which if thou wilt do, those all-powerful Deities, will restore to Life those whom thou hast Murder'd. To whom the Holy man of God thus Answer'd, O Infidel, whilst thou en∣deavour'st to extol thy Gods, assure thy self thou offendest the True God; for it is Jesus Christ my Lord, who alone hath Power to raise, and give Life to the Dead: As for those whom ye Worship as Gods, and think them Powerful in Heaven, they now suffer horrible torments in Hell, with Adulterers, Ʋnjust persons, Slanderers, ••nd such as by their Reprobate actions here, render'd

themselves like to Divels: And thou Pagan, and all such as worship Idols, ex∣cept you renounce their Worship, and Convert your selves to the Faith of Christ, will incur the same Punishments in Hell; But despair not of the Mercy of God, break off your evil ways, make haste to partake of the Grace of Baptism, by which all sins are forgiven, and Heaven is open'd unto men, thereby becoming new Creatures, divested of their former wicked dispositions; For those who be∣fore Baptism by their sins were the Children of the Divel, become afterwards the Sons of God. Run therefore to this Grace for refuge, that you may escape ever∣lasting Torments.

Upon these Speeches the Infidels were so enrag'd that they labour'd with all their force to dispatch the Holy Martyr with multitudes of Stones, who still remain'd unmoveable in Prayer, not stiring any way from the place where he stood: But the hour approaching wherein he was to surrender his victo∣rious Spirit unto God; he lifted up his Eyes to Heaven, and saw our Lord Jesus standing at the right Hand of his Father, and also heard an Harmoni∣ous consort of Angels, amongst whom he spy'd his Beloved Disciple St. Alban, whose help and Prayer he invok'd, that God might send his good Angel to meet and protect him from the accursed Fiend, who would be too ready to hinder his passage to Immortality. Forthwith two Angels appear'd glo∣riously shining with Coelestial Splendour, and a voice was heard by all the Company, uttering these words, Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt be in Pa∣radise with thy Disciple: The Pagans stood amaz'd at this wonderful voice. And the Holy Angels took the Martyrs Soul shining with Brightness as white as Snow, and with Hymns and Praises carry'd it into Heaven, whilst in the mean time the more than Barbarous Infidels ceas'd not to overwhelm his Lifeless Body with Stones, which afterwards a Devout Christian privi∣ly took away, and carefully bury'd in Redbourn, about three Miles from Ve∣rulam; for as some Authors affirm, There remain'd for a long time in that Village, great Knives with which the Martyr was slain. And in the way be∣twixt It and Verulam, a Tree stood enclos'd within walls, where it is thought the Post was fix'd, to which the Holy Martyr was tyed, and where his Bowels were torn out, or rather where his Body was bury'd, and that with such Secresie, as until the year of Grace 1178. it could never be dis∣cover'd.

But in that year, (as Matthew of Westminster writes) the Blessed Martyr St. Alban was seen visibly to go out of the Church to him Dedicated, and came to an Inhabitant of St. Albans, whom he desir'd to follow him: The poor man see∣ing the brightness of the Martyr, was sore afraid, but yet follow'd him North∣ward; the very high way shone with the brightness of his Conductor: As they walk'd, the poor man ask'd, who he was? and was Answered, That he was St. Alban the first Martyr of Britain, and that he was now leading him to the Sepulchre of St. Amphibalus, by whose Preaching, he was Converted to our Lord, and so became a Martyr. They thus talk'd like Friends together, until St. Alban shew'd the man the place where Amphibalus was obscurely bury'd, that his bones might be remov'd Reverently to a more Decent place; The man took diligent notice of the place, by setting Stones in such Order there, that it might easily be found again; soon after the Sacred Body was translated to the Church of St. Alban, and many Miracles were there continually wrought, through the intercession of the Blessed Amphibalus, who suffer'd in the year of our Lord 287.

Although the place of this Saints Burial, was long obscur'd, yet as ap∣pears by Gildas, his memory was precious; for within ten years after he

suffer'd, a Church was erected to his Honour; and in the year of our Lord 309. another Church was Consecrated to this Saint at Winchester, which being after Re-built by the Saxons, was Dedicated to St. Peter. When the Body of this Holy Man was discover'd, other Bodies were found lying by it, conjectur'd to be those who suffer'd with him.

Much about this time, two famous Martyrs, Julius and Aaron, before-mention'd, Citizens of Caerleon, and Disciples of St. Amphibalus, are re∣corded to have suffer'd for the Faith of Christ. These two had a long time addicted themselves to the Holy Faith, and were also diligent in the study of Arts and Humane Learning, both at Rome and else-where: They suffer'd (saith St. Bede) with many others of both Sexes intoller able Torture, their Members being torn asunder with unheard of Cruelty; at last consummating a Glorious Martyrdom, their Souls were receiv'd into the joys of the Heavenly City. Their Memories were preserv'd and Honour'd by Erecting Altars and Churches in their Names; each of them had a famous Church Erected to their Honour in Caerleon, for three Magnificent Churches are said to have been Built of Old time in that City; one of the Martyrs, St. Julius, adorn'd with a Choir and Convent of Religious Virgins; a second Dedicated to the Ho∣nour of his Companion St. Aaron, and Graced with a Noble Choir of Ca∣nons; the third was the Metropolitan Church of all Cambria, and was after Translated by the Holy Bishop St. David, with the concurrence of the Pope's Legate; and all this long before the coming of the Saxons: Besides these, the memory is Celebrated of two Noble Britains, Disciples of St. Amphibalus, who suffer'd Martyrdom in the same Persecution of Dioclesian, their Names were Stephanus and Socrates, to whose Honour two Churches were built in the Province of the Silures. To this time also is refer'd the Murdering of all the Monks in the Monastery of Winchester, built by King Lucius: During the rage of this Persecution in Britain, many Christians withdrew themselves from the fury of it, as Gildas reports; which, considering the frailty of Mankind, was not imprudently done; for it was thought fit, that such as had not the courage to sustain the weight of Martyrdom, might at least hold fast the Grace of Confession.

This flight of Christians in Britain, gave occasion to the Persecutors to extend their rage upon Churches and Monasteries; all which by such their rage, were so utterly destroy'd, that in this Island few marks remain'd of Christian Religion: This Desolation continu'd untill the Happy return of Constantius, by whose Clemency, the Christian Faith and Worship flourish'd again in Britain, sooner than in other places, Which Mercy of God, (as Bede saith) was the rather extended towards the Britains, because they only preserv'd among them their Primitive (Faith receiv'd in the days of King Lucius) entire and inviolate, untill the reign of Dioclesian.

The Tyranny of the Roman Empire against Christians, God was pleas'd to revenge, by permitting another Tyrant to rise against them in Britain, namely Carausius, a man Vigilant and Active both in Councel and Execu∣tion, Imploy'd by the Emperour to scowre the Seas of Pyrats. This Im∣ployment Carausius made use of, rather to Enrich himself, than Benefit the Empire: and thereby became so suspected, that the Emperour Maximianus commanded him to be put to Death; for the avoiding whereof, he assum'd the Imperial Purple, and possess'd himself of Britain. Maximianus pre∣par'd to oppose him, but his attempts proving vain, he was forc'd to make a Peace with Carausius; who after subdu'd the Caledonian Britains, and

rais'd a new Rampire to enclose them more Northward, than any had been before, with a Triumphal Arch in memory of his Victory: He govern'd here quietly, untill the year 293. when Constantius made his Expedition against him.

Now, though in the time of Carausius, Persecution against Christians aba∣ted, yet by the Rapine of his Soldiers, most of the Churches and Monaste∣ries were destroy'd or Spoil'd, among the rest those of Winchester and West∣minster; the latter Converted into a Temple of Apollo.

In those days the Roman Empire on all sides was greatly shaken, both by open Invasions and Civil Dissentions; to appease which two new Caesars were chosen, Constantius, by Maximianus; and Galerius, by Dioclesian; in whom, notwithstanding the Supreme Authority and Majesty of the Empire resided; the better to strengthen this Association, Dioclesian gave his Daughter Valeria to Galerius, Maximianus his Daughter Theodora to Con∣stantius, who thereupon was compell'd to a Divorce from his former Wife Helena, so as she was after esteem'd his Concubine, or at least his Wife, in the second or inferior place: However, this pretended Divorce did not it seems prejudice their Son Constantine, who born before in Marriage, enjoy'd his right of Primogeniture, and succeeded his Father in the Empire, al∣though he had other Sons by Theodora: How Helena was dispos'd of after this Divorce, is controverted; The best Opinion is, that she was plac'd at Triers, where Constantius built her a Magnificent Palace, and where she was Honour'd with the Title of Augusta: In the mean time her Son Con∣stantine was receiv'd into the Family of Dioclesian, and there remain'd Un∣infected with the Vices of the Court, in great Favour with Dioclesian, high∣ly Graced by him; and acceptable to all that saw him, for his Beauty, Grace∣fullness and Modesty, especially to the best sort of Men for his Virtue and Piety.

Constantius being Created Caesar, made an Expedition into Gaul, with intent to pass over into Britain against the Tyrant Carausius: In Gaul he took the Sea-Town Gessoriacum or Buloign, which the Tyrant had strongly Fortify'd: In the mean time Carausius was Murder'd in Britain by a new Tyrant Alectus, General of the Forces of Carausius; Alectus to secure him∣self assum'd, the Title of Emperour: Against him Constantius the year fol∣lowing sail'd into Britain, and landed without opposition, though he was way-laid by a strong Fleet plac'd in the Isle of Wight, by Alectus. When he was landed, he set his Ships on Fire, and divided his Army; one part he led himself, the other he committed to the Conduct of Asclepiodorus, Pre∣fect of the Praetorian Band: Alectus avoiding Constantius, chose to try his Fortune with Asclepiodorus, by whom he was easily defeated and slain: Howbeit a great part of his Army, consisting of Strangers, Franks and Bat∣tavians, seeing their Prince Dead, fled towards London, hoping to Enrich themselves by the Spoils of that City; But Constantius coming on them un∣awares, preserv'd the City, and cut those Rovers in pieces; if any escap'd, they became Captive to the Londoners.

By this return of Constantius, the poor oppress'd Britains, to their great joy, were freed from Slavery and shameful Indignities, and restor'd to the Roman Government, under a Prince of great Clemency, and Allied to them, by his Marriage with Helena, from whom they expected a Prince of their own Blood, young Constantine, then in Egypt with Dioclesian, where he gave Illustrious Marks of his Courage in Battels, being a very young man,

and inclin'd to the Christian Faith; insomuch as Dioclesian began to envy him, fearing least he should prove a destroyer of the Pagan Errours; and thereupon by subtilty design'd his Death, but almighty God preserv'd him; the Tyrant no doubt, knew the young man had been nourish'd from his Infancy with Christian Milk, and with evil Eyes beheld what Cruelties were inflicted on the Christians: He was therefore watch'd and detain'd un∣der strict Guards, and probably in danger of further mischief.

About this time he took to Wise Minervina, by whom he had his Eldest Son Crispus. The clemency and countenance of Constantius, encourag'd the Christians to repair, and new build Churches to the Honour of the Martyrs, and publickly to Celebrate the Divine Misteries and Solemn Festivals, con∣trary to the Report of some Scottish Authors; For as Eusebius affirms, Of the four persons conjoyn'd in the Government of the Roman World, Constantius only clave to the living God, and was displeas'd with the practices of the other three; For whereas they wasted the Churches of God, and defil'd their Provinces with the Innocent Blood of Christians; He on the contrary pro∣cur'd Tranquility to his Subjects, and as an Indulgent Father allow'd them the free exercise of the Christian Religion.

Constantius after three years abode in Britain, was oblig'd to pass over into Gaul to oppose a German Nation, which infested that Country; he was accompany'd with a great number of Britains, and with their help obtain'd a signal Victory.

In the year 300. Stephanus the VII. Bishop of London is said to have en∣ded his Life by Martyrdom; not that he was put to death for the Christian Religion, but for that the former Persecution he had suffer'd during the rage of Dioclesian, which made his Life miserable, and might perhaps hasten his Death.

In the year 302. Constantius seems to have return'd into Britain upon the Death of Asclepiodorus, whom he left his President here: Still he establishes Peace in the Church here, whilst in all other Provinces, Rivers of Christian Blood were pour'd out with great inhumanity. The Bounty, Clemency and Piety of this Prince, render'd him Admir'd and Belov'd throughout the whole Empire; the moderation of his Government, and Liberality, the mutual Affection between him and his Subjects, is declar'd by this illustri∣ous Example.

The Emperour Dioclesian having been inform'd, that Constantius by his neg∣ligence and profuse Liberality, had wasted his publick Treasure, by Messengers sent on purpose, sharply reprov'd him for it. Constantius promis'd the Messen∣gers in a few days to give them his Answer; and in the mean time gave notice throughout his Dominions, especially to the most wealthy of his Subjects, that he stood in great need of Money, and that they could never have a fitter opportunity to testifie their Affection and Duty to him: Hereupon, without any delay, and with great chearfulness, each contended with other, who should send most; so that in short time his Treasure was fill'd with innumerable sums of Money. This being done, Constantius invites the Messengers to be Spectators of his Wealth, desiring them to tell the Emperour what they had seen: And when they were gone, the bountiful Emperour return'd all that Mass of Treasure to the respective Owners, with an Affectionate resentment of their Duty and good Will to him.

It is further related of him, That finding his Court and Family distracted into Faction by various Sects and Religions, he publish'd an Edict, That who∣ever would continue in his Service, should conform himself to the Worship of the

Roman Gods, for no other should stay in his Court; however they might enjoy their Liberty and Possessions, but they must avoid his presence. This Ordinance much troubled the Christians, especially those who ambitiously affected world∣ly Honour, for they preferring Mammon before God, relinquish'd their Pro∣fession, to conform themselves to Caesars Religion: But several others, sin∣cere and genuine Disciples of Christ, shew'd themselves willing rather to forsake their Princes, service than Gods; which being observ'd by Constan∣tius, he chased from his Court all those faint-hearted Hypocritical Dissem∣blers, saying, They would never preserve their Fidelity to him, who had so base∣ly betray'd their Faith to God; So that he prefer'd to Dignities, and com∣mitted the care of his safety to them, whom he found constant. From hence it came that the Britains, who were generally Christians, became Guards both to Him and other Emperours, whom they usually encompass'd with long Halberts.

The Faithfulness of Christians, probably mov'd Constantius to forsake Idolatry, and willingly to acknowledge the only true God Governour of all the World, and firmly to establish his Authority by the Prayers and as∣sistance of Holy men, and so he pass'd the remainder of his Life, with great Glory and Tranquility. To this happy change, no doubt but St. Helena his Wife much contributed; so that his Court seem'd little to differ from the form of a Church, in which the Ministers and Servants of God offer'd daily Prayers and Sacrifice for him.

In the year of Grace 304. the Emperours Dioclesian, and Maximianus, after 20 years Reign, weary of their fruitless Cruelty, depos'd themselves from the Empire: Galerius succeeded in the Government of the Eastern, and Constantius of the Western Empire, especially in France and Britain, not affecting to heap up Treasure for himself, but to Enrich his Subjects.

In the year 305. his young Son Constantine accompany'd Galerius in his War against the Sarmatians, where he undertook a single Combat by the Emperour's Consent, with their chief Leader, whom by Divine assistance he overcame, and led Prisoner to the Emperour, and so obtain'd Glory by that, which perhaps was intended for his Destruction. This year, as is Credibly reported, St. Augulus Bishop of London, receiv'd the reward of his constant Confession, having been long persecuted for the Cause of Christ; to him succeeded Iltutus, or rather perhaps Restitutus, who assisted at the first Councel, and subscrib'd his Name thereunto.

The next year, Constantius after he had quieted the Picts or Northern Britains, return'd to York, and there being Old, was assaulted by his last Sickness: The absence of his Son Constantine, who was detain'd in manner of a Pledge by Galerius, much afflicted him, though he had other Sons with him by Theodora, which gave him little satisfaction, considering their want of Spirit and Courage. Constantine observ'd, how much he was both fear'd and envy'd, and in danger of mischief, whilst he remain'd in the Emperours hands, and endeavour'd to secure himself by flight; to contrive which, with the more security, he gave command that all the publick Post-horses should be Kill'd, and by that means arriv'd in Britain, with so Prosperous a Voyage, as if he had been brought thither not by Post-horses, but mounted and flying in a Heavenly Chariot: Upon his approach to his Father, he was receiv'd by him with great joy, and devout Thanksgiving to God. The dying Em∣perour was now willing to embrace death, and bequeath'd the Inheritance of the Empire to his belov'd and first born Son Constantine, and so with

comfort departed this Life. He was bury'd in the City of York with Prince∣like Solemnity, and by the Heathenish Romans Deify'd with the Title of Di∣vine. Cambden reports, That when the Houses of Monks there were in our Fathers memory demolish'd, a Lamp was found burning in a little Vaulted Chappel, in which by Tradition, Constantius is thought to have been bury'd. The Antients had doubtlesly an Art to maintain a flame for many Ages, by Gold dissol∣ved into a kind of Oyl. Then certainly Matthew of Westminster must be mistaken, who writes, that the Body of Constantius was found in another place, and from thence by the then Kings command, translated to Caernar∣von, which must be understood of some other Constantius.

Now, notwithstanding Constantius had Sons by Theodora, yet passing them all by, he left the Empire to his Eldest Son Constantine only, and his disposal therein was Ratified by the Suffrages and Acclamations of the Army: Howbeit, such was the moderation and prudent caution of Con∣stantine, that he contented himself with the Title of Caesar, refusing that of Augustus or Emperour; Insomuch, as when the Soldiers, with great Affecti∣on would have cast on him the Imperial Purple, he set Spurs to his Horse, and fled from them. In truth he had reason for this Caution, for though Dioclesian and Maximianus had relinquish'd the administration of the Em∣pire; yet had they by Councels and Authority, a great influence upon the State, for by them Galerius, Maximinus and Severus, were chosen Caesars and Successors, who had possession of Italy and the Eastern Empire, so as Con∣stantine being young, and at so great distance, might well think it danger∣ous, without their consent, to assume the Supreme Authority.

His first attempt therefore was, to gain the Affection and Consent of Maximianus, from whom his Father had receiv'd the Purple Robe, and who had then a Daughter Marriageable, call'd Fausta; Her Constantine de∣mands in Marriage, presuming the Empire should be her Dowry. In the mean time, he finish'd his Fathers Victories in Britain, and was therein assisted by King Erocas, by whose Councels he was much guided; afterward he pass'd over with a great Army into France, and there suppress'd two Bar∣barous Princes, who fill'd the Country with Faction, inciting the Gauls to Rebellion. Then he began to treat with Maxentius, who a year before hearing of the death of Constantius, possess'd himself of Rome, and usurp'd the Title of Emperour, by the help of the Pretorian Soldiers, and upon the hopes that Maximianus, whose Daughter he had Marry'd, would favour him in his Ambition, the conceit whereof made him slight all motions of Concord with Constantine.

Howbeit, Maximinian having heard of the Noble Victories and Exploits of Constantine, bestow'd his Daughter Fausta upon him, and with Her the Imperial Purple. But soon after this Marriage, Maximinianus discovers his Treacherous intention to re-possess himself of the Empire, which he had voluntarily resign'd, and bound himself by Solemn Oath in the Capital, ne∣ver to resume. This intention he first made known to his Daughter Fausta before the Marriage; in pursuance whereof he Sollicits the Armies, with Promises of great Rewards to stick to him: All these Designs Fausta reveals to Constantine, and withall, informs him, That the intended Marriage, was but to make him secure, that her Father might the sooner deprive him of the Em∣pire, and perhaps of his Life also. This intention of Maximinian soon appears, for he forthwith publickly assumes the Name and Authority of Emperour, at Arles, from whence retiring to Marseilles, he was there Besieg'd by Con∣stantine,

and soon made his Prisoner, and afterward Executed upon himself the just vengeance of Perjury and Treason, for he strangl'd himself with a Halter; such a deserv'd and ignominious end had this Tyrant, who defil'd the Western Empire with the Blood of so many Christians. Constantine thus Victorious, prosecuted his Victories in Germany, where he built a Bridge over the Rhine, and subdu'd several Rebellious Nations.

He had, as is said, several Noble Britains in his Army with him, amongst which three Unckles of his Mother Helena are Nam'd, Johelin, Traer and Marius. At this time, although Constantine were not a Christian, yet he afforded the Christians the like Peace which they enjoy'd under his Father; Monasteries were Replenish'd and Built, those of Abingdon and Winchester being the principal; the first whereof was speedily Finish'd, and Consecra∣ted to the memory of St. Amphibalus; and for the space of 200 years pro∣sper'd, till the time of Cerdicus the West Saxon, who then destroying the Monks, turn'd it into a Temple of Idolatry. As for that in Abingdon, if the Chronicle of that place may be Credited, Constantine himself in his younger days had his Education there. To this Monastery belong'd 500. Monks, who got their living by their Labour abroad, but every Sunday re∣sorted to their Monastery to perform their Devotions, sixty more were con∣stantly Resident, attending in the Recital of Psalms and Christian Sacrifices.

It was now that Almighty God in revenge of the Innocent Blood of the Christians shed by the Tyrant Galerius, visited him with an inward and Incurable Rottenness, whereof he dy'd, having for a long time consum'd him by piece-meal with great Stench and Torment; neither could he appease the wrath of God, although, but too late, he acknowledg'd the Justice of God, and sent out Edicts in favour of the Christians. Thus ended the fu∣rious Persecution first rais'd by Dioclesian.

There yet remain'd four persons who Supremely and Independently go∣vern'd their several Provinces; Constantine in Gaul and Britain, Maxentius in Italy and Africk, Maximinus in the East, and Licinius in the Pannonia, Greece, Illyrium and Thrace; all which Provinces in a short time became united under the Monarchy of Constantine.

The 112th. year of Christ was now come, Prosperous to the Church of God: Happy was it for Christians that Maxentius refus'd agreement with Constantine, such were the manifold Vices, Oppressions, Murders, Adul∣teries and great Enormities of Maxentius, that Constantine was in a manner enforc'd, not only for his own safety, but the general good of Mankind to free the World of such a Monster, odious not only to Christians, but to Pa∣gans also, to conclude a War against the Tyrant, though stronger then himself, Constantine therefore had recourse to Divine assistance; but such a multitude of Gods were Worship'd in the World, that he was uncertain, to which of them he should Address himself: After serious consideration, calling to mind how former Emperours had been abus'd to their own ruine, by false Oracles, Incantations and Inhumane Sacrifices offer'd to their Heathen Gods, he resolves to put his Confidence in that only true God, which his Mother Helena Worship'd all her Life, and his Father Constantius towards his end: To that God he offer'd Zealous and Devout Prayers, That he would discover to him, who he was, and how he would be Worship'd, and would protect him in his present condition of danger. His Devotion was not in vain, for by a stupendious Miracle, in the sight of the whole Army, God declar'd his acceptance of his Supplicants Prayers, for he saw over the Sun,

then begining to decline, the Sign of the Cross in Heaven, figur'd by a re∣splendent light, together with these words inscrib'd, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, By this be Victorious; Which Spectacle caus'd great admiration, both to himself and his Army. Artemius, one of the Spectators, afterwards relates this Mira∣cle to Julian the Apostate, and Vouches many of his then present Soldiers for Spectators, and further Witnesses thereof, some writers add, That many Angels were seen with this Apparition, who encourag'd constantine, and pro∣mis'd him Victory by that Sign; and that he himself saw an Arm'd Horseman, who bore in his Hands the sign of the Cross as an Ensign. The Christians in Constantine's Army were Encourag'd by this Coelestial Vision, but the Pagans look'd upon it as a Fatal and Ominous Sign, until the succeeding Victory prov'd it otherwise: Nay at first the good Emperour himself, was in great doubt what this strange Vision should Portend, until at night our Lord ap∣pear'd to him in his Sleep, bearing the same Sign with him, and com∣manded Constantine, To cause a Draught or Copy thereof to be fram'd, and to be made use of by him, as a Guard and Protection in all his Battels. According∣ly Constantine instructed his most cunning Workmen to make a Banner in imitation thereof, Adorn'd with Gold and Precious Stones, which he per∣petually had carry'd before him in his Army: He caus'd likewise innume∣rable representations of the Cross to be fix'd in several publick and Private places, especially in several parts of his own Palace, where it was for the most part fram'd of Gold, Jewels and Precious Stones. No wonder then if the veneration of the Holy Cross, every day more and more increas'd amongst Christians, a practice us'd from the most Primitive times, and now Authoriz'd by our Lord himself from Heaven, as it hath been sure confirm'd by innumerable Miracles wrought in several Ages by it.

Constantine encourag'd by this Promise of Divine assistance, and Arm'd with this Glorious Sign of the Cross, makes towards Italy, Conquers seve∣ral Nations, reduces several Cities, and overcomes all Resistance; and having clear'd all the Provinces behind him, marches Couragiously to Rome it self; where the Tyrant for more than six years had exercis'd all manner of Wickedness. He had not Courage to Issue out of the City, or oppose Constantine's Progress, stupify'd with his Lusts, and afrighted with Prodigies, and the Divination of his South-sayers: But when Constantine approach'd the City, Maxentius was enforc'd to draw out his Army, consisting of 17000 Foot, and 1800. Horse; these numerous Forces he rang'd beyond the Milvian Bridge, so that they were shut out of the City by the River. The Tyrant us'd this Stratagem also, he caus'd the Bridge to be so fram'd, that at his pleasure he might dissolve it: Constantine having rang'd his Army on the other side, himself with great Courage gave the on-set; by which he immediately broke his Enemies Ranks, so as little resistance was made, except by the Praetorian Soldiers, who having Created Maxentius Emperour, expected no Pardon, and cover'd the ground with the dead Bodies: Those who endeavour'd flight, found it unsuccessful, being hindred by the strait∣ness of the Bridge; the slaughter was exceeding great, there being no other way to avoid the Sword, but plunging into the River, wherein great mul∣titudes were swallow'd. The Tyrant himself casting off the marks of Au∣thority, adventur'd into Tyber, and being hurry'd down the Stream was drown'd; his Body being cast upon the shore, the People found, and cut off his Head, which with great Joy and Triumph, they carry'd up and down the City fastn'd to a Pole.

It is affirm'd, that since Rome was built, never was a day Celebrated with greater or more universal Joy, than the day whereon Constantine Tri∣umph'd for this Victory: His Triumphant Chariot, was attended not with Conquer'd Princes or Generals but with the Nobility of Rome, freed from Dungeons and Chains; Rome did not indeed Inrich her self with Spoils of Enemies, but ceas'd to be the Spoil of an Inhumane Tyrant. However this Pious Emperour, would have this common Joy and Applause, ascrib'd not to himself, but to God only, by virtue of the Holy Cross, to whom only he gave the Praise and Honour of this Victory: At his Triumphal entrance into the City, he caus'd the Cross to be carried before his Army, that Rome might see by what Arms, she had been freed from Slavery; he also en∣joyn'd the People and Senate to Prostrate themselves before that Trium∣phant Sign, and to Adore the Name of Christ, who had Enobl'd the same.

It is therefore a narrow conceit of some, who will not acknowledge that the Cross was ever Honour'd or Venerated by this Emperour, or his Com∣mand, when it is most manifest by undenyable Testimony; for it is well known, that Constantine Dedicated a Church to the Honour of the Holy Cross. This Honour of the Cross Prudentius thus sounds forth.

Vex illum Crucis summus Dominator Adorat.

And not only so, but the said Emperour signifies his will that all the World should also do so. This Prince also, further to Honour this Sign of our Sal∣vation, causeth his Statue to be set up in Rome, holding a Cross in the right Hand with this Inscription. By this saving Sign, the Emblem of Fortitude, I deliver'd your City from the yoak of Tyranny; and having given perfect Liber∣ty to the Senate and People of Rome, I restor'd them to their Antient Great∣ness and Splendour. There was another Inscription Engraven in Stone by the Decree of the Senate of like purport with the former, wherein the Victory is ascrib'd, contrary to the Roman custom, to one True God, and not to the many Gods there Ador'd.

After this signal Victory, Constantine sent for Licinius the Emperour to Millain, and there gave him to Wife his Sister Constantia, and procur'd an Edict from him for free Liberty to profess the Christian Religion: what be∣long'd to Churches, was restor'd unto them. Both Constantine and Lacinius joyn in their request to Maximinus the Eastern Emperour, to grant the like freedom within his Dominions; to which request Maximinus with much unwillingness yielded: Matthew of Westminster affirms, That about this time Constantine chose into the Senate his three Ʋncles before-mention'd, which might perhaps give occasion to Julian the Apostate, afterwards to darken the me∣mory of this Glorious Emperour, as a perverter of the Antient Roman Laws, in being the first who Adorn'd Barbarous Strangers with Consular Robes.

In the year of Grace 314. Silvester succeeded Melchiades in the Popedom. It was this Melchiades who ordain'd, that of the Oblations offer'd by the People in the Church, the Bishop or Priest should Consecrate Loaves of Bread, cut into small parcels, and kept in a pure Vessel, that after the So∣lemnity of Mass, such as had not Communicated, should partake of them on all Sundays and Feasts. These Morsels of Bread thus Bless'd, were called Eulogia, and intended to be Symbols of unity in Faith and Charity, and were made of common Bread. This year whilst Constantine fought prosperously against the Germans, a certain King of the Gevissi in the Western part of Bri∣tain

call'd Octavius, made an Insurrection against the Pro-Consul, whom Constantine had intrusted with the Government of the Country; against whom the Emperour sent his Uncle Traer, who landing about Portsmouth, soon took it; Octavius having notice thereof, comes against Traer with strong Forces, and put him to flight, but in a second Battle in Westmorland, Octavius is totally vanquish'd, and put to flight into Albania to King Hum∣bert for Succour. The alteration of Government in Britain might well occasion this Rebellion of Octavius, in regard the Britains were now go∣vern'd by a Vicar of the Prefect of Gaul, where Constantine made his usual abode, and was disquieted more by the Faction of Schismaticks, than any other Commotions, so as Constantine was enforc'd to procure a General Assembly, or Synod at Arles, for composing the Sedition rais'd by the Do∣natists, to which Synod the British Bishops were call'd, and the proceedings thereof are as follows.

Although Persecution was somewhat abated, yet the Enemies of Christians to give them still disturbance, endeavour'd to divide them into Factions. The first publick Infamous Scene, of which scandal was Carthage in Africk, the occasion this. Caecilianus Arch-Deacon of the place, had re∣prehended Lucilla a Spanish woman living in that City, for that before re∣ceiving the Holy Sacrament, she had with Veneration kiss'd the Head of a certain person, esteem'd by her a Martyr, but not acknowledg'd for such by the Bishop: The Woman being Wealthy and Powerful, studied revenge against Caecilianus, who was newly chosen Bishop; and requir'd restitution of certain Vessels of Silver and Gold belonging to the Church, which in the late Persecution, had by his Predecessor been recommended to the Fi∣delity of some Elders of that City. They to avoid restoring of these Vessels, joyn'd themselves to the Faction of Botrus and Celesius, who had ambiti∣ously sought after the said Bishoprick, but were rejected: This repulse incited them to question the Election of Caecilianus; Lucilla betook her self to this Faction, who withdrew themselves from the Communion of their Bishop, and by means whereof a most horrible Schism was rais'd in Africk, the slame whereof could not be extinguish'd in many Ages.

These Factious persons invited to Carthage several African Bishops, who were convicted to be Traditors, such as for fear of Persecution had deli∣ver'd up to Heathen Magistrates, the Books and Vessels belonging to the Church, of which Bishops the principal was Secundus Primate of Numidia; they were in all 17. and kept their Assemblies at Carthage separate from Caecilianus; and presum'd Sacrilegiously to ordain another Bishop of Car∣thage, one Majorinus, who had been Lectorer formerly to Caecilianus, and was now a Domestick of Lucilla. These Bishops, though they were them∣selves manifest Traditors, yet question'd the Ordination of Caecilianus, be∣cause he receiv'd it from Felix, and others, whom they falsly accus'd of their own Crime. They further wrongfully charge Caecilianus, with denying necessary Provision to several Martyrs in Prison. Notwithstanding all which Calumnies, he was acknowledg'd Lawful Bishop, by the Bishop of Rome, and all other Catholick Bishops.

Now though this Schism was chiefly forg'd by Botrus and Celesius, with the said Elders and Lucilla, and increas'd by Secundus and other Traditor Bishops, yet it took its Name from Donatus who succeeded Majorinus in the Schism, and not from that Donatus, who being Bishop of Casae nigrae, by the instigation of Lucilla withdrew himself from the Communion of

Caecilianus, and was condemn'd by Pope Melchiades. This unhappy Schism gain'd such strength in a short space, that in three years, joyning them∣selves unto other Traditor Bishops, and drawing into their Communion most of the Numidians, they assembled a Councel of no fewer than 270. Bishops, who continu'd together 75 days, and repeating their former Constitutions, made a Decree in favour of the Traditors. When Constantine had over∣come Maxentius, the Donatists obtain'd Letters from Anulinus Governour of Africk, to write Letters to the Emperour in Gaul, full of Calumnious Ac∣cusation against Caecilianus; and some of these Schismatical Bishops made a Voyage to the Emperour, whom they requested, to appoint some Judges of their Cause; He gave them this Answer with indignation, You require a Se∣cular Judgement from me, who my self expect the Judgement of Christ. Yet at last, with extream importunity, they wrested from him for their Judges Materinus Bishop of Colonia Aggrippina, Rhetitius Bishop of Austim, and Marius Bishop of Arles: Howbeit, soon after considering the Authority of the Roman Bishop, he commanded both Parties to attend the said Judges at Rome, that the difference might be debated and concluded before Melchiades, to whom the Emperour wrote, to the end that the Contestants might re∣ceive their Judgement from Him, and the other Judges; As you know (saith he) the Holy Law of God requires a Synod; Therefore being Assembled at Rome, the result of it was, that Donatus Bishop of Casaenigrae was condem∣ned, and Caecilianus acquitted: From this Judgement they impudently ap∣peal'd to the Emperour, who cryed out, O the rabid impudence of these mens fury; they have presum'd to interpose an Appeal, as the custom is among Hea∣thens in Secular Causes: Yet after all this, the Donatists were so shameless, as to boast that Constantine had given Judgement for them; and to deprave the Judgement of Pope Melchiades, they traduce him for a Traditor.

Still they continue their Tumults in Africa, and principally direct their malice against Felix, who ordain'd Caecilianus, and whom they accus'd of being a Traditor; Constantine left the determination of this difference to Aelianus Pro-Consul of Africa, who detecting many Lyes and Frauds of the Donatists, legally pronounc'd the Innocence of Felix: Yet once more they Appeal'd to the Emperour, to whose Court many of their Bishops repair'd, complaining that many of their most weighty Allegations had not been taken into consideration by Aelianus. Whereupon as St. Augustine saith, not daring to become a Judge, of a Judgement given by the Bishop of Rome, he refer'd the matter to a Synod of all the Western Bishops, appointed to meet at the City of Arles, whose Charges were defray'd by the Emperour's order: In this Councel 200. Bishops met, who in the first place re-examin'd the Cause of Felix, and declar'd him guiltless of the Crime of Traditor: And this Cause being determin'd, they thought fit to frame several Canons touching Ecclesiastical Discipline, to be observ'd throughout the whole Church.

First they Ordain'd, That the Feast of Easter should in all Churches be Cele∣brated upon the same day, in opposition to the Quarto decimani, who observ'd it according to the Jewish custom, upon the 14th. day of the first Moon in March, which practice began to prevail more and more in the East: To this Canon the British Bishops then of this Councel subscrib'd. Another Canon of this Councel is worthy consideration, namely, That all such should be remov'd from the Order of the Clergy, who in time of Persecution, had deliver'd up to the Pagans the Holy Scriptures, or the Lords Vessels deputed for the Christian Sacrifice, as by the 20th. Canon of this Councel appears, which commands,

That a place to offer Sacrifice, should be afforded to a Stranger Bishop, with Vessels for that purpose; And thereupon Restitutus a British Bishop, who subscrib'd to that Councel, did there offer Sacrifice accordingly. Some pretend a Canon in this Councel, That Deacons in their Ordination, pro∣testing their resolution to Marry, might lawfully do it. If any such Canon be foysted into late Copies, giving Deacons any such priviledge; yet seeing Priests were not therein mention'd, it is strongly imply'd, that they were forbidden Marriage.

At the conclusion of this Synod, a Letter was written in the Name of the whole Assembly to Pope Silvester, Desiring his Care and Diligence in the Observation of their Decrees in all Churches: The British Subscribers to this Councel were these that follow, Eborius Bishop of York, Restitutus before∣nam'd Bishop of London, famous in the year of Grace 350. the third Adelfus Bishop of Camolodunum, or Maldon. About this time a pub∣lick Disputation was held before the Emperour and his Mother Helena, between some Christian Bishops, whereof Pope Silvester was chief, and twelve Scribes and Pharisees, principal Masters amongst the Jews; in which conflict the Holy Pope by Scriptures and Miracles, so confirm'd the Faith, that he obtain'd a Noble Victory; insomuch as the Jews fell into a slat Rebellion against the Emperour; But being suppress'd, were carried up and down, with their Ears cut off, as stigmatiz'd Slaves, that all men might be Witnesses of their Crime, and deterr'd from the like presumption: Some impute the said Disputation to Helena, as if she were a favourer of the Jews, and no Christian before her Sons Conversion, and so only by his Example, contrary to the Truth of all Authentick Story. It may indeed be true, that her Piety was much increas'd by the Apparition of the Holy Cross to her Son: Howbeit, there is no doubt but she was a sincere Christian long be∣fore, whatever Aspersions may be cast upon her, by ill-willers.

In the year 317. Licinius forgetful of his Covenant with Constantine, be∣gan a Persecution against the Christians, and a War against Constantine, who after two Battels obtain'd a compleat Victory, accompanied with the Death of Licinius. This success, Constantine himself, under God, attribu∣ted to his Sacred Ensign of the Cross; whereof Licinius was so afraid, that he commanded his Soldiers, not so much as to look toward it; for it was observ'd, that whoever bore that Ensign, could never be Wounded, the Darts cast by the Enemy still remaining six'd to the Staff supporting the Cross: And now Constantine betook himself to Enrich and Adorn the Church, and confer Immunities upon Church-men, he publish'd a Law that all Clerks and Clergy-men, should be excus'd from all Civil Offices and Duties, that by the ill-will or malice of any they might not be withdrawn from the Ser∣vice of God. Nay, (saith Sozomen) by this Emperour's Decree, if any Clergy-man were called into Judgement by Civil Magistrates, they might Appeal to the Judgement of Bishops, whose Sentence was to be Ratified, as if pro∣nounc'd by the Emperour himself.

Moreover, whereas the Roman Laws were severe against Celibacy, so as Unmarry'd persons were incapable of Inheritances; Constantine consider∣ing how prejudicial this was to Christian Religion, wherein many profess'd Virginity and Single lives, preferring the Love of Christian Philosophy and Perfection, before the Sensual Pleasures of Matrimony, and Consecrating themselves both Soul and Body to the Service of God, in a Poor and Chaste Life; for that reason, utterly abolish'd those Antient Laws, shewing with∣all

great Honour and Admiration to the Convents of Consecrated Virgins. And if we will believe Sozomen, He so far priviledg'd all persons Male or Female, who Consecrated themselves to Virginity, that though they were under Age, yet they should have Power to dispose of their Estates by Will, con∣trary to the custom of the Romans. He further also ordain'd, That a measure of Wheat should yearly be given to Widows, and those who observ'd a Virgin Life, (two thirds whereof Julian the Apostate not long after took from them) He commanded publick rest on the Lords day, and prescrib'd a form of Prayer on that day for all persons, especially his Souldiers: Part whereof was in these words, We acknowledge thee, the only God, we prefess thee our Sove∣raign King; we invoke thee our Helper, by thee we obtain Victories, and vanquish our Enemies; we acknowledge that from Thee we have obtain'd present Felicity, and hope to obtain future: We bescech thee many years to preserve safe and victorious Constantine our Emperour, with his Pious Children. He likewise in memory of our Saviours Cross and Passion, ordain'd, That upon Fridays, some time should be spent in Prayers to God. Lastly, He not only Enrich'd the Church by his own Bounty, but by a Law open'd the Purses of others to Endow it, by giving License to all persons to bequeath what they thought sit to the Church.

By one Action indeed he stain'd the Purity of his Faith, for being at Sar∣dis, and having notice, that his Palace at Rome was struck with Lightning, an Ominous Sign to the Pagan Romans, and by their Antient Laws to be averted by many Superstitious Lustrations; he condescended to the impor∣tunity of the Magistrates to Consult the Sooth-sayers, what the meaning of it might be; but commanded them to abstain from Domestical Sacrifices. This unlawful complyance of the Emperour, turn'd to the prejudice of the Christians; for by colour thereof, (at the instigation of the Sooth-sayers) the Heathen Magistrates would compell the Christians to joyn in the publick Expiatory Sacrifices, so as many chose rather to leave the City; and amongst the rest, the Holy Pope Silvester. Constantine inform'd hereof, publishes an Edict, That if any should go about to compel any Christian to Celebrate Heathenish Lustrations, he should, (if a mean person,) be publickly beaten with Clubs; if otherwise, he should be grievously Fin'd.

In the year 324. after our Saviours Incarnation, according to the Tradi∣tion of the Western Church, confirm'd by many Proofs; Constantine re∣ceiv'd Baptism at Rome by the Hands of Pope Silvester; upon this occasion, Constantine had rashly put to death Licinius his Sisters Son, falsly accus'd of a design to Rebel; and Crispus his own Son, adorn'd with many Virtues, and famous for many Victories, yet accus'd by Fausta his Mother-in-Law, to have attemptod her Chastity; which accusation appearing after to be false, and invented by Fausta maliciously, because the young man would not yield to her Lust; she was by Constantine's order stifled in a Hot Bath. After which Crimes and Calamities, as appears by the second General Councel of Nice: Almighty God struck Constantine with a Leprosie: anxious to find a remedy; the Soothsayers told him, The only way to be restor'd, was by a Bath of Infants Blood: This detestable Medicine being abhorr'd by Con∣stantine, God was pleas'd to instruct him by a Vision of St. Peter and St. Paul, in his sleep, That it would be a certain remedy for him to receive Baptism at the hands of the Pope; Which he did accordingly with great Solemnity: In the place where he was Baptiz'd, he Erected a Magnificent Chappel; wherein was a Font of Porphyrie cover'd with Silver, and over it hung a Phiale of Pure Gold, wherein yearly 200 l. of Balsom was Burn'd; on the

brink of the Font, was plac'd a Lamb of pure Gold, weighing 30 l. and pouring forth water into the Font: At the right side of the Lamb stood the Statue of our Saviour, all of pure Silver, weighing 170 l. On the left side was plac'd St. John Baptist, holding a Scroul, whereon was written, Behold the Lamb of God, Behold him who takes away the sins of the World, &c. The Emperour according to the Churches custom, being for seven days, cloath'd in White, Consecrated each of the said days with some Signal act of Piety. On the first day he publish'd a Law, That Christ is the true Lord, who cleans'd him from his Leprosie, and whom he commanded to be Ador'd through the whole Empire, On the second day he Decreed, Severe Punishments on those who by Word or Deed should Dishonour him. On the third day he Decreed Like Penalties against those who should Persecute or Molest any Christians. On the fourth day, He confer'd on the Roman Churches Imperial Priviledges. On the fifth day, He granted Immunities to all other Churches. On the sixth and seventh, he added many other Gists to Ecclesiastical Persons. And the day after he appear'd in publick, perfectly cleans'd from his Sins and Le∣prosie, and coming to the Confession of St. Peter, He took his Diadem from his Head, and putting off his Impertal Robes, with a Spade open'd the Earth for a Foundation of a new Church; and in Honour of the 12 Apostles, carry'd on his Shoulders 12 Baskets of Earth; and with great joy receiving the Bishop into his Chariot, he return'd to his Palace.

After all this, he extended his Munificence to Gods Church all the Em∣pire over; and sent Letters to the Eastern Bishops, encouraging them to Build Churches, supplying them out of his publick Treasure; which Churches he caus'd to be Consecrated to the Honour of the Apostles and Martyrs, whose solemn Feasts he commanded to be observ'd even by the Pagans with Honour and Veneration.

And as for the Christians they repair'd thither with great Zeal, and as Supplicants there, demanded the intercession of those Martyrs; a practice then us'd, not only by the meaner sort, but by persons of the highest rank also: As St. Chrysostom witnesses, He who wears the Imperial Robe (saith he) comes hither, he embraces the Sepulchers of the Martyrs, and laying aside all haughtiness and pride, stands before them in the Posture of a Supplicant, be∣seeching them to intercede on his behalf.

This so publick and zealous Profession of a new Religion, render'd Con∣stantine displeasing to some of the Senate, who could not with Patience endure the decay of their Antient Superstition: For this cause he grew weary of Rome, and made a Progress into the Eastern Provinces; where he establish'd a new seat of the Empire at Bizantium, after from his Name call'd Constantinople; and this he did the rather to compose the Tumults rais'd by the Blasphemous Heresie of Arius, who deny'd the Divinity of the Son of God; affirming, That time was, when he was not; though he was first of all Creatures: In which Heresie, not a few Bishops joyn'd with him to the great disturbance and scandal of the Christian Church; Alex∣ander Bishop of Alexandria, first admonish'd, then Excommunicated Arius. Constantine by Exhortations and Letters treated with both of them, for the composing of their differences; but finding no means available, caus'd a Councel of the whole Church to be assembled at Nicaea in By∣thinia, consisting of 318 Bishops, who desided the Controversy, from Scripture and Tradition, determining, That the Son was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Consubstan∣tial with the Father.

It is observable; with what Meekness, Charity and Respectfulness the Pious Emperour behav'd himself towards the Bishops; how he refus'd to judge of their Recriminations, how he fortify'd the Determinations of the Synod by his Authority, commanding submission thereunto; and how he banish'd the Arch-Heretick Arius. In this Councel was further Order made, For the universal Observation of Easter, upon the first Sunday following the 14th. day of the first Moon after the Vernal Equinox; for the better finding out of which, it was recommended to the care of the Patriarch of Alexandria, every year to give notice to the Bishop of Rome, upon what day Easter was to be ob∣serv'd, and this was to be communicated unto all remoter Churches; and during Mass on the Epiphany, a Deacon with a loud voice declar'd the following Easter, whereby Lent, and all other moveable Feasts, were regulated: And accordingly the British Churches also were guided, until recourse from Rome was in∣terrupted by Domestick Broils, and the invasion of the Saxons; and when by such interruption the Britains varied from the Western Churches, they kept not Easter as the quarto decimani, precisely upon the 14th. day of the Moon, after the Jewish mode; But if that 14th. day hapen'd upon a Sunday, they did not defer the Observation until the Sunday following, as other Catholick Christian Churches us'd to do.

Soon after this Councel of Nice, Helena the Mother of Constantine being near 80. years old, had the Courage to undertake a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, to visit the Holy places sanctify'd by our Lords Actions and Sufferings, and to Adore his Footsteps: to which tedious Journey she is said to be incited by Divine Admonition: The Sepulchre of our Lord she most ardently de∣sir'd to see, which the flagitious Impiety of the Pagans, had endeavour'd to hide from the World, so that it cost incredible Labour to remove that vast heap of Earth, wherewith it had been cover'd; on the top whereof a Temple to Venus was Erected: But the place being cleans'd, Constantine caus'd a most Magnificent Temple to be Erected upon it: Besides which, his Mother began the building of two other Sumptuous Churches, one at Bethlehem where our Lord was born, another on Mount Olivet, where he ascended into Heaven, both which, after her Death, were finish'd by her Son.

In the Mount was yet extant the Impression of our Lords Feet, which this Devout Empress Honour'd with due Veneration: The Prophet Zacha∣rias long before Prophesied, saying, And in that day his feet shall stand upon the Mount Olivet over-against Jerusalem to the East: And St. Jerom testifies, That the same footsteps of our Lord imprinted on the ground, were shewn in his time, so as though the Earth were continually taken away by the Devotion of Christians, yet these Holy footsteps did receive and retain their former state. Sulpitius Severus relates a strange story, namely, That the place where our Lords feet at his Ascention stood, could not be continu'd to the rest of the Pave∣ment about it, for whensoever Marble was laid on it, the Earth refus'd to receive it, casting the Stones oft times upwards in the Faces of those which apply'd them; and the footsteps of our Lord there seen, are a lasting Monument, that the Dust there had been trod on by our Saviour. To this Beda adds, That whereas the Temple built over this place, consisted of three Stories, the uppermost whereof were Vaulted with Arches; that which was the lowest and most inward, could by no Art or Labour be clos'd with a Vault.

The Holy Empress was now in earnest quest of the Holy Cross on which our Lord perfected the Redemption of Mankind, by the Apparition of

which her Son had been lately drawn to Faith and Baptism: A Rumour there was, that it was still extant, and hid up in some of those Holy places, but where to find it was the difficulty; several places thereabout were dig'd, but all in vain; at last the Religious Lady was by a Coelestial Admo∣nition inform'd where it lay. Whereupon causing all the Rubbish to be remov'd, she found under ground three Crosses in a confus'd order, where∣by her joy was diminish'd, by the uncertainty which was the true one; there was also found with them the Title which had been written by Pilate in Greek, Latin and Hebrew Letters; but being separated, gave no token to discern which was our Lords Cross: In this doubtfulness, the only remedy was by Prayer to beg a Divine Testimony: At the same time, there was in the City a Woman of quality, who lay Sick of a Grievous Disease, ready to Expire; Macarius Bishop of Jerusalem seeing the Empress so sollicitous to discover the true Cross, commanded that all-three should be brought, not doubting but that God would discover the true one; and being enter'd with the Empress into the Sick Womans Chamber, Pray'd, That God would be pleas'd to shew unto them, which of those three Crosses was imploy'd to glorisie our Lord, and which for the punishments of the Malefactors, and that this dis∣covery might be made by the restoring of the Woman half dead, upon the touches of the True Cross. The first and second were apply'd without any avail or effect; but as soon as the third was apply'd unto her, she open'd her Eyes, and rose up in perfect Health, and went about her House with great ala∣crity, Praising and Glorifying the Power of God.

And thus was the Empress satisfy'd in her longing desire, by the Attesta∣tion of many Ecclesiastical Writers, so as in memory of this saving sign, she Dedicated a peculiar Church; and for the Cross it self thus found, she sent part of it to the Emperour, to be Honourably bestow'd in his Palace; the remainder she enclos'd in a Box of Silver, and gave it to the Bishop of Je∣rusalem, to be reserv'd as a Monument of our Salvation; and for many years after, upon the day of our Lords Resurrection, it was produc'd with Ve∣neration by the Bishop, and expos'd also to the People to be by them likewise Venerated. That part which was sent to Constantine, he enclos'd in a Statue of his own, which was plac'd on a mighty Pillar of Porphyry in the Market∣place of Constantinople, and was by him esteem'd as a mighty Bulwark of his Empire: The Nails which pierc'd our Saviours Sacred flesh, were artifici∣ally enclos'd in the Emperour's Helmet, as a Guard for his Head. One of them indeed in a great Tempest the Empress threw into the Adriatick Sea, and by that means, as is presum'd, sav'd her self and Company from Ship∣wrack.

Our Helena being a British Princess, drawing near the end of her Life, increas'd in her Zeal and Piety; her Humility and Devout respect to Holy Virgins Consecrated to the Service of God, appear'd by this example, That she invited some of them to Dinner, and thought it not enough that her Maids should attend upon them, but girding her self after the manner of a waiting Maid, set Meat upon the Table, gave them Drink, and pour'd Water on their Hands: Thus, though an Empress, she esteem'd her self no better than a a Servant and Handmaid of Christ and his Virgins: In all her Progress through the Eastern Provinces, she largely express'd her wonderful Muni∣ficence, giving innumerable Gifts, not only to particular Persons, but to whole Cities; she largely reliev'd the Poor, such as were condemn'd to work in Mines, or perpetual Imprisonment, she set at liberty, the Oppress'd she

deliver'd from fraud and injury, and the Banish'd she restor'd to their own Country.

In her return out of Palestine into Greece, she pass'd by Drepanum in Bi∣thynia, where repos'd the Body of the Glorious Martyr Lucianus; as soon as she saw his Relicks neglected, without any mark of Honour or Reve∣rence, she caus'd a Sumptuous Church to be Built over them, and enlarg'd the place into a City with Walls and Bulwarks, call'd by her Son after her Name Helenopolis. Moreover, this Holy Empress in her Progress through the East, having been inform'd where the Bodies of the three Wise men who came to Bethlehem to Adore our new-born Saviour, repos'd, brought them with her to her Son Constantine, who Reverently laid them in the chief Church of his new City, from whence they were translated to Milan, and from thence to Colen, where they now are Celebrated with great Venera∣tion. In such Pious Works did this Holy Empress conclude her Worldly Pilgrimage.

It is most probable she Deceas'd at Rome, Aged above 80 years, and was there Honourably Interr'd; her occasion of returning thither, was after the laudable custom of Christians in those days to visit the Sepulchres of the two chief Apostles: She brought with her to Rome a part of the Holy Cross, which, with great Veneration she plac'd in a Church there Built at her Re∣quest by her Son, call'd by the Title of the Holy Cross. It is reported, She spent her last days in great Devotion, and approaching to her Death, after her receiving the Sacraments of the Church, she was comforted with a Vision of our Lord Jesus, encompass'd with a multitude of Angels, and holding his Cross, shining with inexpressible Brightness. Eusebius testisies, That her Son Con∣stantine with all humble respect attended her in her Sickness, and was present at her Death; having receiv'd many Devout Exhortations, and the Benediction of a Parent from her: Such was the Emperour's Piety and Respect to his Mother, that she is said, To have reign'd as Empress with him, to be stil'd Augusta, to be transfer'd into the Flavian Family; so that many Golden Coins were made and stamp'd with her Image.

After her Death, her Son Constantine built unto her Honour a Magnificent Sepulchre or Mausoleum, where in a Tomb of Porphyry he laid her Blessed Body, scituate in the High-way, call'd Lavicana, between two Lawrel-Trees, her Body afterwards, if we will believe the Gallican Martyrology, was remov'd into a Monastery in France, and there continu'd Illustrious by many Mira∣cles. In the Church of the Holy Cross at Rome, Antiently call'd, The Church of St. Helena; an Illustrious Monument was Erected in memory of her, and the like is to be seen in Naples.

This Island wherein this Noble Empress was born, hath not been un∣grateful to her Memory. The Monuments of her and all others rais'd by the Britains, have been consum'd by Age; but even the Saxons, when once Converted to Christianity, left many Monuments and Expresses of their Devout respect to this British Lady, by Consecrating Churches in memory of her, witness Hellenstone in Barkshire, and several Churches Dedicated in this Saints Name in London, and many other places.

Constantine continues his Zeal against Pagan Idolatry, and made severe Laws against Heathenish Sacrifices, overthrowing the most Celebrated of the Idol-Temples; neither was he wanting to establish the Churches Peace, by publishing severe Edicts against all sorts of Hereticks and their Assemblies, mingled with such perswasive Exhortations, that many of them acknow∣ledging

their Errours, return'd to the Communion of the Catholick Church: Yet this Holy Emperour being seduc'd by the Craft of Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, the Pillar of the Arrian Faction, he began to be displeas'd with St. Athanasius then Bishop of Alexandria. His Sister Constantia check'd him at her Death with his Severity to the Arrians, whom she accounted Innocent persons; upon this the Emperour wrote a threatning Letter to Athanasius, enjoyning him to receive Arrius; but being after inform'd, that this Arrius still persisted in his Heresie, and without any Repentance oppos'd the Coun∣cel of Nice, the good Emperour no longer insisted upon his Reception; and not only stuck to Athanasius against the Miletians, but turn'd his Anger against the said Eusebius, his chiefest Enemy, whom he banish'd with other Confederate Bishops from their Sees; though soon after, upon the Inaugu∣ration of his new City Constantinople, as objects of his Clemency, he thought fit to restore them.

This City is said to be Consecrated to our Lord and his Immaculate Mo∣ther, with the offering of the unbloody Sacrifice and Prayers; and then a Sta∣tue was erected for Constantine in a publick place upon a Pillar of Porphyry, holding in his right Hand a Golden Apple, on which was placed the Holy Cross, with this Inscription, To thee, O Christ, our Lord, I commend this City. Eusebius writes, That Constantine adorn'd his new City, especially with Magnisicent Churches, Consecrated to Holy Martyrs, the chief whereof were St. Moscus, St. Agathonicus, St. Mennas and St. Acatius. One Church he built in a place there formerly Dedicated to Vesta, and call'd it St. Michael, from an Apparition of that Holy Arch-Angel: In which, by virtue of the Holy Cross there erected, many Miracles are said to have been wrought; one of which I cannot omit, viz. That a Soldier of the Emperour's Guards, Probianus by Name, afflicted with grievous Torments in his feet, not only re∣ceiv'd ease in that place, but was also honour'd with a wonderful and Divine Vision. He was converted to Christianity, and thoroughly satisfied with all points of that Religion; yet he could never be perswaded that the Holy Cross could be any wise instrumental to the Salvation of mankind: Being thus per∣swaded, the Image of the Cross was presented to him in a Vision, as it was usually set on the Altar of that Church; and in the same Vision it was declar'd to him manifestly, that what thing soever had been perform'd either by Angels or Holy men, for the publick or private profit of men, since Christ was Crucified, were not rightly perform'd, but by Virtue of the Saving Cross.

Constantine was not wanting richly to Endow the Churches he had built, he caus'd Copies of the Holy Scriptures to be Curiously writ in Parchments, richly adorn'd, which he dispers'd and plac'd in his said Churches; he en∣courages the Professors of all Arts and Sciences, so as Learning flourish'd in his City; he endeavour'd to make it equal with old Rome, by placing Se∣nators there with the same Honour and Authority, and many of them Pro∣fessors of Christianity.

In the midst of this Serene Calm, a sharp storm sell upon the good Atha∣nasius, principal Defender of the Nicene Faith; for the restless malice of the Arrians, prick'd them on to accuse him falsly, Of breaking a Chalice, of Mur∣der, of Enchantments with his dead Hand, of Adultery by Violence, &c. His Cause was examin'd in a Synod of Bishops assembled at Tyre, by whom, to the great astonishment of Conslantine, the good Athanasius, though in all particulars his Innocency was evidently declar'd, was yet unjustly condem∣ned; and by the importunity of Constantius the Emperour's Son, infected

with that Poisonous Arrian Heresie, banish'd into the West, or rather advisd to withdraw himself, to avoid the impetuous clamour of the Arrians against him: For he retir'd to Triers in France, where by the Emperour's order, he wanted nothing. Now that this was not consented unto by Constantine, as in any wise wavering in the Faith, may appear by this following Relati∣on, Constantine desiring to be satisfi'd what the Opinion of Arrius truly was, ask'd him, whether he did approve the Decrees of the Nicene Councel: He pre∣sently with a chearful countenance, answered, That he approv'd them: The Em∣perour not satisfied with this Affirmation, urg'd him to confirm it by an Oath; to which likewise he comply'd; But all this was impious Craft and subtilty; for whilst he made this Profession and Oath, he had in his bosom a Paper containing his Heresie, and swore from his Heart he believ'd what he had written, reser∣ring still to that Paper; Constantine never the less warn'd him, that if his Faith were true and Orthodox, he had sworn well; but if otherwise, God (said he) may condemn thee for thy Perjury. However Constantine being deluded with this Equivocation, sent to the Pishop of Alexandria to receive the Hypocrite into Communion: But we shall presently see how God discover'd miraculously the Impiousness of Arrius, and true Faith of Constantine.

For Alexander Bishop of Constantinople, not willing to admit the Arch-Heretick, but sollicitous for the True Faith, more than for his Bishoprick, which some threat ned to deprive him of; lay prostrate several days and nights before his Altar, and pray'd to God, that if the Opinion of Arrius were true, he might die before the day of Disputation came; But in case the Faith which he profess'd were true, then that Arrius, the Author of all those Calamities, might suffer just punishment for his Impiety: Which Prayer it seems was soon heard; for Arrius in his way to the Church, using many vain and boasting Bablings, was on a suddain sorc'd to retire to a common Privy to ease himself; where, as is written of Judas, he fell on his Face to the ground and burst asunder in the middle, and was in that manner depriv'd both of Life and Communion: This struck the Eu∣sebian Faction with wonderful Terrour and consternation, the Fame whereof soon spread it self over the whole World, and confirm'd the Emperour's Faith, and the Nicene Decrees.

This year dy'd the Holy Pope Marcus, Successor of Silvester, and in his stead Julius succeeded in the last year of our Renowned Emperour, one of whose last Acts of Devotion, was the building of a most Magnificent Temple at Constantinople in Honour of all the Apostles, that he might Eter∣nize their memory among all Nations. In this Temple, he placed twelve Honorary Repositories, which should be as so many Pillars, in memory of the twelve Apostles, and caus'd his own Tomb to be plac'd in the midst of them, enclos'd on each side with six of them, having an opinion, That their memory would procure much profit to his Soul, by being so made partaker of their Prayers, which would there be offer'd in Honour of the Apostles. As many other British and Saxons Kings, in erecting Churches and Monasterres have since done, for the Redemption of their Souls; and so express'd themselves in several Charters of their Foundation.

This Emperour it seems so Happily enjoy'd his faculties and strength of Reason, in such perfection, that till the extremity of his Age, he still con∣tinu'd to write Orations, and to Minister Advice to his Friends, well be∣coming a good Christian. He also publish'd good Laws, expedient for Humane Society; and not long before his Death, he recited a Funeral Oration in the usual place, wherein he Discoursed, Of the Immortality of Souls,

of the Rewards of Pious men, and the Miseries of such who liv'd ungodly lives. This he pronounc'd with such Gravity and Constancy, that one of his Do∣mestique Servants (a Pagan) and pretender to Wisdom, being ask'd what he thought of the Emperour's Oration, Answered, though with some un∣willingness, That the things spoken seemed to be true, especially commending that part of the Oration which decry'd a multitude of Gods. It is said, that a Comet of an unusual bigness, appear'd in the Heavens, as portending his death; for he soon after fell into some Distemper, which enforc'd him to use Hot Baths; and being remov'd to his Mothers City Helenopolis in Bythinia, he continu'd some considerable time, in the Church Consecrated to the Holy Martyr St. Lucianus, there offering his Prayers and publick Vows to God; and there considering his last day, he fell humbly upon his Knees in this Church, confessing his sins, and craving pardon for them; and then it was that he first became worthy to receive Absolution by imposition of Hands and Prayer, in imitation of the Saving Laver of Baptism: After these and such like Holy Mysteries were perform'd, he was cloath'd with Kingly Robes, shining bright as the Light, and then laid in a Bed of a most pure Whiteness; his Imperial Purple he rejected, and never made use of it after∣wards: Then with a clear distinct voice he Pray'd, and gave Thanks to God, declaring, He was now assur'd of Happiness and Immortality, being made partaker of Divine Light. With great detestation he bewail'd the mi∣serable state of Pagans, in that they were depriv'd of all Divine Blessings. To his great Officers who stood about him, and deplor'd their unhappiness in the loss of such an Emperour, wishing him a long Life; he answer'd, That he had now attain'd true Life indeed, and he himself understood his own Happiness, and therefore he long'd for his departure to God. And having made his Will, and given Honourable Pensions to the Inhabitants of his new City, and left his Empire as a Patrimony to his Children; during the Solemnity of Pentecost, he departed this Life in Glory and Renown.

The universal Mourning and Sorrow of his People, and the Solemnities of his Funeral are set forth at large by many Authors: Great multitudes of the People, with the Priests, ceas'd not to pour forth their Prayers to God with Tears and Groaning for the Soul of their departed Emperour; his memory was also so precious amongst the Britains, that they built Temples in Honour of him, one whereof still remains of his Name in North-Wales, which was erected after they were driven by the Saxons into those quarters.

Constantine at his death, divided the Roman Empire amongst his three Sons, so that his Eldest Son Constantine enjoy'd Gaul, Spain, Britain, and all the Conquer'd Countries on this side the Alpes. Constantius his second Son, only present at his Fathers Death, possess'd himself of the Eastern Regions and Aegypt. And the youngest Son Constans had the Government of Italy and Africk.

Now as touching the second Constantine, within whose Jurisdiction our Country is compriz'd: His Reign was short, not lasting full four years; sure it is He and his Brother Constans stuck close to the Catholick Faith Establish'd in the Nicene Councel, so as all the Western Churches were by their means secur'd from the infection of Heresie, which miscrably defac'd the Eastern parts, in regard Constantius there suffer'd himself to be perverted by the Arrian Hereticks: Constantine the younger, in proof of his Orthodoxy, and in performance of his Fathers Will, restor'd Athanasius from his banishment at Triers, where he had continu'd above two years, to his Church at Alex∣andria;

his banishment was the easier to him, in regard he was sent thither by Constantine the Father in order to his safety, and entertain'd there with all Honour and Liberality by Constantine the Son, whose constant residence was in Gaul, and who govern'd Britain by a Deputy, never coming thither himself.

In the 4th. year of his Reign, he pass'd over into Italy, upon what design is uncertain; However he was soon there Traytorously slain by his Brothers Soldiers, if not by his Order. By the Death of this Constantine, the whole Western Empire became the Dominion of Constans, who placed Vetranio as his Lieutenant in Britain, where after a few years, he usurp'd the Title of Emperour. About this time there flourish'd in Britain a Holy Bishop of great fame, call'd St. Gudwall, who was born of Noble Parents, and largely communicated to others those Treasures of Heavenly Wisdom, which he had been gathering from his youth; his Instructions Enlightn'd many, so as they were enabled to enflame others with Divine Love, the Odour of his Holy Conversation declaring in him the operations of Heavenly Grace, was pleasant to all both Clergy and Laity: The Patrimony he receiv'd from his Parents, was very ample; yet despising worldly Riches, he gave it all to the Church: And perceiving his Pastoral Office, engag'd him in Worldly Cares and Solicitudes, and willing to disburden himself thereof; he recom∣mends his Church to a worthy Successor, and retires himself into a Mona∣stery within his own Diocess, where he led a perfect Monastical, or rather Angelical Life: His Monastery was placed near the Sea, in a Bay where-of the Holy man observing a certain vast Rock, or Promontory shooting forth, retir'd thither, that he might attend on God without interruption; into which place he gather'd to him about the number of 180. Disciples. It is reported, That the place being too strait for so many, the Blessed man having re∣course to God, in whose Power and Goodness he plac'd his confidence, when the Sea at low ebb had left the shoar for a great space, with a Rod which he had in his Hands, made impressions in several places of the Sands, and commanded the waters in the Name of Christ, not to pass those bounds, upon which the Sea was observ'd to restrain its own violence and swelling, insomuch, as to this day, it hath never presum'd to pass those prescrib'd limits.

Thus the Holy man is said to bid adieu to all his Friends, to the Vanities of this World, and to all obstacles to Perfection, Mortifying all his Sensual Desires; and yet not contented, resolv'd to leave his Native Country, and accompanied with his Brethren, landed in a Province of Belgick Gaul, in∣habited by a People call'd the Morini, to whom he Preach'd the Christian Faith, instructing many in the Perfection of a Holy Life. About those parts there then liv'd a Prince call'd Mevorus, at or near a place call'd at this day Cormon: This Prince profess'd Christianity, and having notice of the arrival of St. Gudwall within his Consines, kindly receiv'd him. Mevorus and his Wife were much stricken in years, and had no Children; St. Gud∣wall in a Dream appear'd to the Matron, and promis'd her she should have a Son, which should be call'd Simeon: Mevorus being inform'd by his Wife of this her Dream, promis'd that this Son when born, with all his Here∣ditary Possessions, should be assign'd to the Church and Monastery which this Holy Bishop and Hermite, with the Treasure of Mevorus was then building, probably near Ipre, where a Village call'd Ghelwelt seems to afford some Marks of St. Gudwall's Name.

The Son thus Promis'd, soon after was born, and call'd Simeon, brought up in Learning by St. Gudwall, made a Monk, and his Possessions confer'd on the Monastery. It is said this Holy Bishop, after all his Labours, rested in our Lord about the year of Christ 403. It is written, that before his death an Angel of our Lord appear'd to him with a Pleasant Countenance, saying, O worthy Soldier of God, may the joy of our Lord always encrease in thee, and his Peace continually remain with thee; be prepar'd, for e're long God will call thee out of this World, and thou shalt meet thy Heavenly King with a Palm of Victory: This Coelestial Messenger stay'd a good space, filling his Soul with Spiritual Sweetness, known only to God.

After this another Angel appear'd to him, and said, I am Michael the Arch-Angel, sent to thee from our Lord, to acquaint thee, That the hour of thy departure is at hand; for after ten days, thou shalt joyfully issue out of thy fleshly Prison, and escape out of the Dungeon of this World, and with unspeak∣able gladness thou shalt meet thy Heavenly King, into whose presence we will bear thee; he will receive thee with Glory, and enroll thee among the Courtiers and Citizens of his Kingdom. Some say the Mother and Sisters of this Holy man were present and assisting at his Death, invited thither by the Fame of his Miracles, and after his departure carried his Body back with them into Brittain; But when the Pagan Saxons demolish'd Christian Sepulchres here, it was transported again into Flanders: The place of his Burial here, is said to be the Isle of Plet, or Plecit, where it remain'd many years, Illu∣strious by many Miracles, until it was transported to the place aforesaid; where not being entertain'd with due Honour, it was by a Noble Marquess nam'd Arnulphus, after by Gods appointment, remov'd to the Monastery of ••landinium in Gaunt, together with the precious Relicks of the famous Confessor Bertulphus, when Clotharius reign'd in France; his Body is yet carried in Procession yearly, and each Procession renown'd by Miracles.

In the year of our Lord 342. great Commotions arose in Gaul by the coming in of the Franks, which were soon suppress'd; but Britain follow∣ing the motions of Gaul, and being in disorder, Constans was enforc'd to pass over thither in the Winter Season, and by his unlook'd for presence there, soon frighted the Rebellious Islanders into Obedience.

Four years after this, an unhappy Schism was like to break forth between the Eastern and Western Churches; for the Eastern Bishops of the Faction of Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, chief Pillar of the Arrians, had con∣demn'd St. Athanasius in two Synods at Tyre and Antioch: On the contrary Julius, Bishop of Rome, in a Synod of Italian Bishops receiv'd him into his Communion, notwithstanding the intercession of the Orientals, who sent their Decree of Condemnation to Rome. To prevent this Schism, Constans being Orthodox, sollicited his Brother Constantius to joyn with him in cal∣ing a General Councel, thereby to preserve entirely the Heritage of their Fathers Piety, by which he had subdu'd many barbarous Nations, destroy'd Tyrants, and establish'd the Empire.

Hereupon a Synod was Assembled at Sardica in Illyrium, to which came out of the Western Empire about 300. Bishops, and out of the East 76. only. Some of the Western Bishops came out of Britain; Restitutus Bishop of London was certainly one, who before at the Councel of Nice, consented to the Faith of the Consubstantiality of the Son of God. It will not be there∣fore impertinent to say something of this great Councel, that the Confor∣mity of the British Churches in those days, to the Faith and Discipline of

the Catholick Church, may the better appear. This Synod first establish'd the Faith of the Nicene Councel, next declar'd the Innocence of Athanasius and other Orthodox Bishops persecuted by the Arrian Faction, and the Con∣demnation of their Adversaries and other Eastern Bishops, who deserted the Synod, and made a Schismatical Assembly at Philopolis, and in it pub∣lish'd contradictory Decrees.

This Synod, as to matters of Discipline, Decreed this especially, That Appeals be made in Case of Contention, to St. Peter's Chair, ultimately to be deter∣min'd by the Pope, or such as he should appoint in that behalf. Now it is certain, that the Donatists not long after, in Envy to the See of Rome, endeavour'd to suppress the Acts of this famous Synod as much as they could, as St. Augustine testifies: The Decrees of this Synod were after confirm'd by the Councel in Trullo. Another Decree was made, To restrain the Appeals of Deacons sent by their Bishops to the Emperour's Court, appointing them to present their Petitions to the Bishop of the Roman Church, to be by him examin'd whether just or not

This Synod being dissolv'd, the Emperour Constans us'd his utmost dili∣gence and Authority for the Execution of these Decrees; his chiefest care was about the Restitution of St. Athanasius, whose return the Factious Bishops of the East oppos'd: Constans wrote to his Brother for his Restitu∣tion, mingling Threats, if he were not comply'd with, insomuch, as that Constantius advis'd with many Eastern Bishops about it: Who resolv'd him, It was better to allow of Athanasius, then hazard a Civil War.

The year following, Athanasius return'd into the East, and was at first re∣ceiv'd by Constantius with some Kindness, and permitted to return to his See at Alexandria. But the year following the Arrian Bishops becoming boundless in their Power and Malice by the death of the Orthodox Em∣perour Constans, who by the Conspiracy of Magnentius Chrestius and Mar∣cellinus was Traytorously slain, at Helena a Town in France: It is said he had a Prediction, That he should die in his Grand-Mothers Lap. His death was greatly bewail'd by St. Athanasius, who foresaw the danger was like to ensue unto the Catholick Faith by the loss of Constans, and the evil of the sole remaining Emperour, who was yet at present, very much incumber'd by two Tyrants, the one was Vetranio, who had once govern'd in Britain, and was after Proclaim'd Emperour in Illyricum, but was soon depos'd by Constantius, who yet not only spar'd his Life, but suffer'd him to spend the remainder of his Life in Retirement full of Pleasure and Abundance. The other Tyrant was Magnentius, who took the Title of Emperour at Augusto∣dunum in France, and held it three years, and then after the loss of a Battel, was forc'd to kill himself.

After this Victory, Constantius would be call'd the Emperour of the whole World, and assum'd the Impious Title of his Eternity; and then extended all his Pride and Power to oppress the Catholick Faith, and establish the Arrian Heresie even in the Western Churches also; commanding a Coun∣cel to be Assembled at Arles in France, where he extorted the Suffrages of the Bishops, in favour of his Heresie, and condemnation of St. Athanasius, drawing in the Legate of Pope Liberius, who had newly succeeded Julius. Howbeit Liberius more than once sollicited the Emperour by Legates and Epistles on the behalf of St. Athanasius; complaining, That the Suffrages of Bishops were mercenarily sold according to the Princes inclination.

Whereupon Constantius perceiving the endeavours of Liberius render'd the Sentences of his pack'd Synods invalid, sought to win him by Promises and Favours to his Party; that proving ineffectual, he sent for him; when Liberius was come to him, he stoutly protested, He would suffer any thing, rather than being a Christian, to become an Arrian: At which the Emperour being offended, sent him into Banishment to Beraea a City of Thrace; where∣to he chearfully submitted, rejecting 500 Crowns which the Emperour sent for his Maintenance: In his place was substituted a certain Roman Priest call'd Felix, one, who though in judgement a Catholick, yet comply'd with the Arrians.

Liberius wanting constancy, and weary of his Banishment, after two years return'd from it, with as much Infamy, as he had submitted to it with glory, yielding at last to the condemnation of St. Athanasius, and subscri∣bing to a Confession of Faith fram'd in a Synod at Sirmium; wherein, though there was nothing Haeretical, yet the word Consubstantiality being left out, his subscription to it was scandalous, and argu'd an unlawful com∣plyance with the Arrians. After all this returning again to Rome, he breaks off all Communion with the Arrians, and joyns himself in Communion with Athanasius, to whom he thus writes, Our Confession belov'd Athanasius, is that the Word is the Son of God, being according to his Nature begotten of God his Father, not created; he is God, his Fathers Colleague in his Empire, and obtains an endless Kingdom for infinite Ages, Amen.

Whilst Constantius in the West thus afflicted the Catholick Church and Faith, Gratian Father of Valentinian afterwards Emperour, was Pro-Praetor of Britain: He was rais'd from a vile Original to this high degree for his Courage and Virtue; in his younger Age, he is said to have been a Seller of Ropes, such was his strength, that five Soldiers were not able to wrest a Rope out of his Hands; for his favouring Magnentius, he was de∣priv'd both of Office and Estate. Martinus succeeded him in his Pro-Prae∣torship of Britain, who govern'd this Island with great Justice and Kind∣ness to the Britains, his Government was shortned upon this unhappy oc∣casion; Constantius being a Prince very Suspitious, imploy'd Officers to search out such as were practising against him; One Paul a Notary was very much esteem'd of him, for his Malicious Sagacity in such matters, and therefore sent by him into Britain, to bring over in Chains such Soldiers as had intermedled in the Conspiracy of Magnentius; Paul executed this Au∣thority with such Cruelty and Injustice, that the Pro-Praetor, to prevent the Miseries of so many Innocents, first intercedes by way of Intreaty, and being therein unsuccessful, protested he would leave the Province, rather than behold such Oppression. This Paul for his Subtilty call'd Catena; be∣ing thus thwarted in his Cruelty, Craftily involves the Pro-praetor himself in a Suspition of the same Guilt and Treason, so as he presumes to seize upon him, and put him in Fetters with the rest: Martinus betakes himself to his Sword in defence of himself, and therewith wounds Paul, but not Mor∣tally; and thereupon turns his Sword upon his own Breast, and so dy'd la∣mented of all men.

In the year of our Lord 359. the Church of God was expos'd to great danger and infamy by the Councel of Ariminum then Assembled by the Authority of the Arrian Emperour Constantius, with design to abolish the Faith of the Consubstantiality of the Son of God. He commanded his Prae∣fect Taurus, That when the Bishops were met together, he should not permit

them to depart, till they had all consented in one Faith: It is said, that out of Illyricum, Italy, Africk, Spain and Gaul, and out of Britain also, under the notion of Gaul, he gather'd together more than 400 Bishops: The Em∣perour commanded allowance of Necessaries to these Bishops; but those of Gaul and Britain refus'd it, as an unseemly thing, and chose rather at their own Costs to maintain themselves, Three only out of Britain excepted, who being destitute of Subsistence out of their own Sees, made some use of the Emperour's Liberality, and perhaps were not to be disprais'd for it. These Bishops being assembled, were prescrib'd what they should do by the Emperours Letters, and severely enjoyn'd to determine nothing which might touch the Eastern Bishops; and when they had finish'd their Decrees, they were to send them to Court by two Bishops.

In these Letters it is observ'd, that he Subscribes himself Constantine, not Constantius: Notwithstanding all which, the Holy Bishops Couragi∣ously perform'd their Duties, for they confirm'd the Nicene Creed, sorbid∣ding any addition or diminution thereof; and protesting, They would ne∣ver depart from the Faith which they had receiv'd from God the Father by the Prophets and our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Holy Spirit taught in the Gospels, according as was deliver'd by Tradition of the Fathers succeeding the Apostles to the times when this Controversie was debated at Nicaea, against an Heresie which then arose. All the Catholick Bishops in the Synod, unani∣mously subscrib'd to this definition, wherein it is observable, that al∣though it was grounded on the Holy Scriptures, yet those Scriptures were interpreted by the successive Tradition of the Church: Whereas, what the Faction of the Arrians separately Decreed; according to the practice of other Hereticks, agreed only with the bare words of Scripture by them∣selves interpreted.

For as Athanasius writes, in a Creed made by them, They profess the Son of God to be like the Father who begat him, whose Generation, according to the Scriptures, no man knows but the Father only. As for the word Substance, it being simply set down by the Fathers, not understood by the People, and occasioning great Scandal, in as much as it is not expresly contain'd in the Scriptures, they Decreed that it should be quite abolish'd; and that for the future no mention should be made of the Substance of God, because the Holy Scriptures never mention the Substance of the Father and the Son; but they say, That the Son is in all things like the Father, as the Scriptures in their judgement teach.

Now when the Arrian Bishops, of whom Valens and Vrsacius were chief, saw that they could not impose upon the Western Bishops, they separated themselves from the rest of the Councel, and were thereupon pronounc'd by the unanimous Suffrages of the Orthodox Bishops to be Hereticks, and excluded from the Communion of the Church; which done, the Councel by common Letter inform'd the Emperour of all these things. And whereas the Arrian Bishops to induce the Catholicks to comply with them, argued, That Peace and Ʋnity would be restor'd to the Church, in case Ca∣tholicks should relinquish that one word Substance. They therefore in their said Letter inserted, That it was not as Valens and Ursacius affirm'd, that Peace would follow, by the subversion of things just and true; but that rather more contention would arise, both at Rome and other Cities: They therefore Pray'd, that the Councel might be dissolv'd, considering the Poverty, Age and Infirmity of many Bishops in it.

Constantius thus frustrated in his design of introducing his Arrian mis∣belief into the Western Churches, broke forth into open Tyranny; some of the Catholick Bishops he shut up in Prison, others he afflicted with Famine and all manner of despightful usuage, not suffering any to depart, until they had subscrib'd a form of Faith; wherein, though nothing Hereti∣cal was express'd, yet the True Faith was at least dissembled; consequently the Arrian Faction prevail'd in Power, through the whole Empire. Con∣stantius creates Gallus his Uncles Son Caesar, and three years after Beheads him for his Cruelties and enormous Crimes, and the next year assumes in∣to the same Dignity and Succession of the Empire, Julian, younger Brother to Gallus, call'd the Apostate; Him he sent into Gaul to repress the Irrup∣tions of the Franks.

In the fourth year of his Government, troubles arising in Britain, by the Excursions of the Picts and Scots; he sent over Lupicinus to compose them, who in the midst of Winter went with his Army to London, but could not perform any considerable Exploit against his Enemies; for that Julian, who was proclaim'd Emperour by his Army, was jealous of him, least he should hinder his proceedings; and therefore re-call'd Lupicinus, and sent Gumobarius in his place, to be General of the British Army, who did little worthy of memory; for notwithstanding any thing he could do, the Scots a (barbarous People,) first mention'd about this time, coming out of Ireland, rooted themselves so firmly in the Northern parts of this Isle, that they establish'd a Kingdom there to themselves and their Poste∣rity to this day.

It is written, that when N••le obtain'd the Monarchy of Ireland, which was in the time of this Constanttus; the six Sons of Mured King of Ʋlster, passing over with a considerable Fleet, possess'd themselves of the Nor∣thern parts of Britain; and it is likely that the Eldest of those six Sons, was that Reuda mention'd by Beda, and his People from him call'd Dalreudini. They at first possess'd themselves of a Corner of this Island, but after en∣croaching upon the Picts, enlarg'd their Seats; until at last, about the time when the Kingdom of Northumberland was in a manner ruin'd by Ci∣vil Contentions, and the Incursions of the Danes, they almost wholly con∣sum'd the Picts, and destroy'd their name and memory, introducing to those Nothern parts the name of Scotland.

It is not likely that Arrianism ever took any great footing in this Island, for when St. Hilary was banish'd into Phrigia by the false suggestions of Sa∣turninus the Arrian Bishop of Arles, he wrote Letters to the British Bishops, especially to the Aged Restitutus Bishop of London; Congratulating and Commending their firmness in the Faith, that notwithstanding the at∣temps of Saturninus to infect them, yet their constancy was famous over all the Empire; insomuch, as some of the Eastern Bishops became thereby asham'd of their Heresie. Howbeit, about this time this Restitutus being full of years, dy'd, and is worthily counted amongst the Illustrious British Writers, and many Letters to St. Hilary are reckon'd to be of his writing.

A further proof of the Orthodoxy of the British Church was St. Kebius, Sir-nam'd Corinius, Son of Solomon Duke of Cornwall, who took a Journey into Gaul to St. Hilary, after his return from Exile, to be by him instructed more perfectly in the Catholick Faith: Copgrave in the Life of this Saint, says, That he abode several years with S. Hillary, improving himself in Learning and Sanctity; whereunto God gave Testimony, by conferring on him the Grace of

Miracles, so that he gave Sight to the Blind, Cleans'd the Leprous, Cur'd those which were Dumb, Heal'd the sick of the Palsey, and those who were possess'd with Divels. Afterwards being admonish'd thereunto by an An∣gel, having been Consecrated Bishop by St. Hilary, he return'd into his own Country, and plac'd his See in the Isle of Anglesey; and by his good Example and sound Doctrine, instructed the Northern People of Wales.

It is He who was requested to take the Principality of Cornwall, but refus'd to accept of any Worldly Authority; and not long after, he is said, To de∣scend with ten Monks, who were his Disciples, into a Meadow of King Ethelic, pitching his Tents there; wherewith, when the King was acquainted, he went with Company to cast these Monks out of his Country; by the way he fell from his Horse, which dy'd immediately, and both He and his Followers were stricken with blindness: Thereupon the King prostrates himself before St. Kebius, de∣voting himself to God and the Saint, by whose Prayers they were all presently Healed. After this the King gave to the man of God two Churches, and he giving the King his Benediction, retir'd to Menevia, afterwards call'd St. David's; from whence he sail'd into Ireland, and having built a Church remain'd there four years: Very probable it is, that this St. Kebi∣us, was that British Priest who Baptiz'd the Irish St. Albeus; for in his Life written by Bishop Ʋsher: It is related, That Lachanus gave the Holy Child to certain Britains, who carefully brought him up, and gave him the Name of Albeus, because he was found alive under a Rock, the Grace of God being with him. Not long after this, St. Kebius came into those parts, sent thither by the See Apostolick, many years before St. Patrick, to sow the Faith of Christ there; but the Irish being Pagans, he was receiv'd by few: He then went into Munster, where he found this Holy Child Albeus, Praying in the open Air, with his Eyes rais'd up towards Heaven, that the true Faith might be reveal'd unto him, and saying, His desire was to know the Creator of all things, and to believe in him who made Heaven and Earth; and declaring that the Elements could not be made without a skilful Work∣master, nor be produc'd by any man: These things being heard by this Holy Priest, he not only saluted, but instructed this Holy Child, Baptizing him, and continuing the same Name of Albeus to him. Several other Persons were Converted, and Baptiz'd by him, as Meclarus and Kiaxanus, who prov'd eminent for Sanctity, and were after exalted to Episcopal Dignity, before the arrival of St. Patrick.

After some years abode in Ireland, the Holy Bishop Kebius return'd to his See in Anglesey, where he dy'd in the year of Grace 370. The place of his Burial seems to be in Denbighshire; for in the Story of St. Winefred, we read, That she was buried near the Sepulchres of Chebaeus and Senanus, call'd Gwethern; Which Chebaeus was certainly our Kebius, whose memory re∣mains still, (saith Cambden in Anglesey;) where the Promontory call'd Holy∣head, is by the Natives nam'd Caer Gubi, from Kebius a Disciple of St. Hi∣lary, whose memory is also there preserv'd by another Promontory call'd Hilary-point.

The same year in which St. Kebius repair'd to St. Hilary, then newly return'd from banishment, was illustrious for the Birth of the great Apostle of Ireland St. Patrick, as most Authentick Authors agree; the place of his Birth is agreed to be in Britain by the Irish themselves. He is said to be born in Pembrokeshire, of Calphurnius and his Wife Conchessa, Sister or Sisters Daughter to St. Martin Bishop of Tours. After this Birth Calphur∣nius

became a Priest or Deacon, and profess'd Continency, as many others did.

Now Constantius dying of a Feavour in Cilicia, Julian having been created Caesar succeeded him in the Empire, which he polluted by his in∣famous Apostacy: He was from his Infancy bred in the Profession of Chri∣stianity, and inscrib'd in the Ecclesiastical degree of a Lectorour; but be∣ing of an inconstant curious disposition, and unfortunately becoming ac∣quainted with Pagan Philosophers and Magitians, he was by them per∣verted; and though during the Life of Constantius, he dissembled his change, yet being in possession of the Empire, he publickly declar'd his defection from Christianity, and an implacable hatred of it, with a resolution to imploy all the Power of Earth and Hell for its destruction: The first proof hereof he gave, in taking away that famous Labarum, or Imperial Ensign of the Cross, which in his Predecessors times, had given them assur'd Victories: In place whereof, he restor'd the Images of Heathen Gods or Devils, with the representation of Eagles, Vultures, Minotaurs, &c. which the Soldiers were commanded to Adore.

All the Monuments of the Holy Cross he endeavour'd to abolish, inso∣much as he caus'd a Representation of Constantinople to be dig'd up, on the top whereof Constantine had fix'd the Cross, to denote the Felicity of his new City. He usually objected to Christians by way of Ignominy, That they left off to Adore and Worship the Ancilia which Jupiter let fall from Hea∣ven, as a pledge of his Protection of their City; instead of which they Ador'd the Wood of the Cross, painting Images thereof in their Forcheads, and before their Doors. Thus scoffing Julian censures the Rites of the Antient Church, and of the Faithful in his time, for their Veneration of that Blessed Instrument of our Redemption: All other Sacred Images and Sta∣tues erected in memory of Divine Benefits, together with the Relicks of Saints and Martyrs, this Apostate endeavour'd to abolish; in particular, he caus'd that Miraculous Statue of our Saviour to be thrown down, which the devout Woman who had been Cur'd of her Bloody-Issue, had rais'd at Caesarea Philippi; and in the place thereof erected his own, which not long after was divided in the midst, and the upper-half thereof thrown all black to the ground, where it remain'd so for a long time.

This Impious Emperour consulting an Oracle at Daphne near Antioch, and perceiving the Devil in it to remain mute, save only that he was able to declare, That the Body of the Holy Martyr Babylas, hindred his Speech; Caus'd the Sacred Body to be remov'd into the City, which was done by the Christians with great Solemnity, in Singing Psalms, especially such as derided Idolary; which so incens'd the Cruel Emperour, that he caus'd many of them to be Tormented; Howbeit, by the intercession of the Holy Martyr, their Torments were miraculously Converted, and melted into Pleasure.

A War against the Persians interrupted his rage against the Christians, whose Extirpation he threat'ned at his return from that Expedition. In the heat of this War, Libanius a Heathen Sophister, in derision of our Sa∣viour, Ask'd a Christian, what the Carpenters Son was then doing, who answer'd, He is preparing a Cossin for Julian. The event made the words Prophetical, for the wicked Emperour receiv'd from an unknown hand a Wound Mortal to himself, but Healthful to all the World besides: In his place the Army chose Jovian Emperour, which Honour he refus'd, pro∣fessing,

That being a Christian, he neither would, nor could govern an Army poison'd with Heathenish Idolatry: Whereupon all the Army cry'd out, That they also were Christians: So that it seems the two years Reign of Ju∣lian, could not extirpate the good Seed sown in their Roman Hearts.

Jovian thus chosen, restor'd the Christian Faith, reducing the Church to its former Splendour: He publish'd a Law, by which, In all Cities a proportion of Wheat was contributed to Sacred Virgins by Vow Consecrated to God: Another which inflicted Death on any who should Ravish, or but attempt their Chastity. There is extant an Epistle of St. Athanasius, in answer of one from this Emperour to him, wherein, He desir'd the Judgement of the Saints, who among the divided Sects of Christians retain'd the Orthodox Faith. Several Nations are mention'd in this Epistle, as constantly Perse∣vering in the Faith of our Saviours Divinity establish'd in the Councel of Nice; and amongst the rest, St. Athanasius makes an Honourable mention of the British Churches. This Pious Emperour enjoy'd his Soveraignty but one year, and Valentinian equally Orthodox was his Successor, yet unhappily he made his Brother Valens Partner in his Empire; He, infected with the Arrian Heresie, prov'd Impiously Zealous in the promoting of it.

In the first year of Valentinian's Reign, the barbarous Nations on all sides of the Roman Empire, as if universally excited by a Trumpet, broke their limits, amongst the rest the Picts, Saxons, Scots and Attacotti vex'd the Brittains with incessant Calamities: Who the Picts and Scots were, hath been before-declar'd; the Saxons as yet infested the Sea-shores, but who the Attacotti were, St. Jerom tells us, They were (saith he) a Savage People upon the Northern Mountains of Scotland, who neglecting Beeves and other Cattle fed themselves with Humane Flesh as their principal Delicacies, liv∣ing without Law or Government; and who had promiscuous Wives and hildren in common; These were easily induc'd to joyn with the Scots and Picts against the Civil Britains.

The Emperour (Valentinian to suppress these Incursions,) leaving his Bro∣ther Valens to govern in the East, made an Expedition into Gaul, where, having compos'd great Troubles, he met with very ill News from Britain; so as he sent one of his Principal Officers to remedy those Disorders there; at last more horrible Rumours increasing, he made choice of Theodosius to go General thither, a Man Famous for many Martial Exploits; who at∣tended with Courageous Legions, prosecuted the Expedition with a Noble Confidence: The Saxons not only Infested the British Coasts, but made an impression even to London; To remedy which injuries, the vigilant General Theodosius being landed near Sandwich in Kent, with his Co-horts, march'd streight to London, and dividing his Army into seve∣ral Squadrons, set upon the stragling Enemies loaden with Spoils, and dispersing them, Rescu'd the Prisoners with the Cattle and other Prey, which he restor'd to the miserable Natives; except some small part of it, that was bestow'd upon his wearied Soldiers: He then enter'd the City in Triumph, and was joyfully receiv'd by the People recover'd from their Misery by his Valour; while he stay'd there, having intimation that so many fierce Nations could not be better suppress'd than by subtilty; to di∣vide them therefore, he published Edicts, promising Pardon to such as would submit: Those which came in, he dispers'd into Quarters severally, well providing for them, which encourag'd many more to submit.

He sent to the Emperour, that Civilis might be sent over as his De∣puty-Governour in Britain, and Dulcitius as his Lieutenant in Martial Affairs, and well skill'd therein: And two years after he march'd North∣ward, and put to flight several Nations, who invaded the Roman Provinces, and restor'd Peace to many Cities which had been vex'd with many troubles: There was then in Britain one Valentinus a Pannonian, banish'd into Britain for great Crimes, who had like to have circumvented Theodo∣sius by Treason after all his Conquests; for this Valentinus being of an am∣bitious and turbulent Spirit, sollicited many of the Soldiers to Conspire a∣gainst him; But this design being discover'd, the good General, contented himself with the Death of Valentinus and his nearest Associates, least by searching too far into the Conspiracy, he might stir up a Mutiny in his Army. This danger escap'd, he so successfully prosecuted the War, that he recover'd all the Provinces from the Enemies, and secur'd them by strong Garrisons, and a particular Governour.

So that now, so much of Britain as was under the Roman Dominion, became divided into five Provinces; The first call'd Britania prima, con∣taining all the Southern parts from the Sea and Thames to the Severn; the second, Britania secunda, comprehending all Wales; the third call'd Fla∣via Caesariensis (probably from the Son of this Theodosius, afterwards Em∣perour of the Flavian Family) embracing all the Regions to the River Humber; the fourth call'd Maxima Caesariensis, reaching from Humber to the River Tine: Lastly, Theodosius having repell'd the Picts and Scots out of all the Provinces beyond Tine, as far as Dunbritton and Edenburgh, call'd the fifth Province Valentia, wherein a Roman Legion Winter'd to repress the Incursions of the Scots.

Theodosius having thus Happily settled Britain, was two years after re∣call'd by the Emperour to Rome, and made General of the Horse; as also Honour'd with a Statue of Brass by the Senate, and at last by his eminent Exploits, recommended his Son to the Empire.

The year after the departure of Theodosius from this Island, our Eccle∣siastical Monuments Commemorate St. Ninias his Journey to Rome, there to be instructed in the Orthodox Faith; and whither it is probable he at∣tended Theodosius: Which Faith afterwards, with great efficacy, he com∣municated to his Country-men. This Ninias was born in Britain of a Princely Stock in Cumberland, who then had its peculiar King; his Father was a Christian: In Childhood he was Sober, sparing of his Tongue, dili∣gent in Reading, Grave in Conversation, careful to subject the Flesh to the Spirit; He also shew'd great Devotion to Churches: At the last, by a forcible instinct of Gods Spirit, despising the World and Carnal Affections, he Travell'd into Italy, and so to Rome, and there address'd himself to Pope Damasus and declar'd the Cause of his Journey; whereupon the Holy Bishop appointed him Teachers in the wholesom sense of Scriptures, by whom he was instructed in true Wisdom, to the Comfort and Profit of others.

To this time is refer'd the memory of St. Augulus, born in London, Bishop and Martyr; as also of St. Moyses, said also to be born in Britain, Famous for many Miracles; who, after a Solitary Life in the Desart, was made Bishop of the Saracens; and after he had Converted many of that Nation to the Orthodox Faith, he there dy'd in Peace.

To Valentinian succeeded his Son Gratian, who nine years before had been nam'd Augustus by his Father, and about six days after his younger Brother Valentinian was saluted Emperour by the Soldiers, with the Con∣sent of Gratian. And now the Picts and Scots began to make Incursions into Britain again, in one of which they led Captive with them the Child of Calphurnius, Socher call'd afterwards Patrick in the 16th. year of his Age, whom they Sold to a Nobleman in the Northern parts of Ireland, call'd Milchu; he Imploy'd the Holy Youth in keeping his Swine, to be try'd betimes in the Furnace of Affliction; for six years the Devout Youth spent in this Slavery; in which time, nevertheless God wrought great Mira∣cles by him. St. Patrick's Imployment withdrawing him from Conver∣sation of men, afforded him the more space to attend upon God: He is said to address his Prayers to God a hundred times a day, and as often by night; to his Prayers he added Fasting for the Mortification of his Senses, with these two wings he mounted to such Perfection, that he enjoy'd a frequent Conversation of Angels; insomuch, as an Angel call'd Victor frequently visited him, and told him, He did well to Fast, and that e're long he should return into his Country. Let no man wonder at this unusual Name of an Angel, for as St. Gregory observes, Angels are design'd by parti∣cular Names, to signifie their particular Virtucs and Operations; And this of Victor might intimate to St. Patrick, that first he should Conquer his own Tribulations, and then the Power of the Devil in that Idolatrous Nation.

The Patience and Virtues of this Young man, mov'd the goodness of God, to free him from this Captivity; for after six years, Patrick by no∣tice from an Angel, found under a Turf, a sum of Gold, by which he re∣deem'd himself from his Slavery, and return'd to his Parents and Country, which he gloriously Illustrated with the admirable Sanctity of his Life.

About this time Valens the Arrian Emperour suffer'd a severe Punish∣ment for his Persecution of the Orthodox Faith; for the Goths and Hunns, fierce Northern Nations, entring into Thrace, put the Eastern Empire in great danger; Valens thereupon requir'd Aid of Gratian, who came on with the Holy Sign of the Cross, in the Name of the true God to his Assistance; but Valens not staying his coming, out of envy, least he should partake any glory in the Victory, would needs hazard Battle alone with the Barbarians, by whom his Army was discomfited and himself wounded with a Dart, and flying with his chief Officers into a House, his pursuing Enemies set it on fire, which consum'd him and his Company: In his place the Emperour Gratian and Valentinian, unwilling to leave the West, assum'd Theodosius, the worthy Son of that famous Theodosius who settled Britain and repress'd its Enemies into a part of the Empire, and committed to him the care of defending the Eastern Regions against the insulting Goths.

At this time Flavius Clemens Maximus, descended probably of the Im∣perial Family of Constantine, challeng'd part in the Empire, or at least made himself King instead of Governour of Britain, and indeed exercis'd Tyranny against the Empire; some say he was born in Britain, for Gildas calls him, A sprig of the British Plantation; however surely he was a Prince of admirable Valour and Conduct: The Scottish Writers confess him suc∣cessful against the Scots, and that he slew their King Eugenius, and drove their chiefest Nobles into Norway and Ireland, over which he had a kind of Dominion, although in Truth it is believ'd Ireland was hardly ever attemp∣ted by Roman Armies.

Thus Maximus having subdu'd both Scots and Picts, and thereby at∣chiev'd great Glory, being vex'd at the promotion of the younger Theodo∣sius to the Empire, began to incense the Soldiers against the Emperour, and receiv'd from them the Imperial Purple: Had he not attain'd this Title against his Oath and Fidelity, he was a Prince so Just and Coura∣gious, he might have been thought worthy to have been Emperour.

Being thus advanc'd, he pass'd over into Gaul, which passage prov'd fatal to this Island, from whence he transported, not only the Roman Armies, but the flower also of the British youth, which never return'd, so as Britain, thus dispoil'd of Military Forces, became expos'd to the miserable and cruel Incursions of their Northern Enemies, the Scots and Picts: Maxi∣mus attended with so great a force, quickly subdu'd both Gaul and Spain, and by a Treasonable Stratagem slew the Emperour Gratian at Lyons, and march'd straight into Italy against Valentinian.

It seems now was the time when Britain became infected with Herefie and greedy of Novelties; the occasion might be, the severe dealing of Maximus in Gaul against the Arch-Heretick Priscillian and his Com∣panions Justantius and Tiberianus: These Hereticks reviv'd a new He∣resie out of the dregs of the Antient Gnosticks and Manichees, which at first infected Spain, then attempted Italy, and being there rejected by Pope Damasus at Rome, and by St. Ambrose at Milan: The Infection began to spread in Gaul; Complaint being made to Maximus by the Gallican Bishops, a Synod was Assembled at Burdeaux, by which Justantius was Depos'd; Priscilian Appeal'd to the Emperour, who at the instigation of some Bishops, became severe against the Hereticks; but by the intercession of St. Martin grew more mild, abstaining from shedding of Blood; yet afterward Priscilian Convicted of Magick, and many filthy Doctrines and Practices, As Praying Naked in a meeting of Women at night, &c. was Condemned with other his Associates, to loose his Head, only Justantius is said to be banish'd to the Isle of Silly, with Tiberianus.

The Teachers of this Impure Heresie being placed so near the Confines of Britain, no wonder if Doctrines favouring the Inclinations of corrupt Nature, did quickly insinuate into unwary Minds, affected with Novel∣ties. And indeed this Scandalously severe judgement, hitherto unpractic'd in the Church, was so far from cutting off the Heresie, that it rather gave strength; for his followers Honour'd him as a Holy man, and Worship'd him as a Martyr.

The Emperour Maximus, for that Title Theodosius allow'd him after the Death of Gratian, was so zealous in defence of the Catholick Faith, that he wrote an efficacious Letter in the behalf of St. Ambrose to the Em∣perour Valentinian, (who by the instigation of his Mother Justina, perse∣cuted the Holy Bishop,) and denounc'd War against him, unless he would desist from his unjust persecution. Maximus with his Wife also, had a great respect for the Blessed Bishop of Tours St. Martin; some have thought this Lady, (who so much Honour'd St. Martin,) was of British Extract, and the rather therefore is she here mention'd.

After this, Maximus not content with so large a Portion of Empire in Gaul, Spain and Britain, march'd with his Army into Italy, at whose approach Valentinian fled into Illyricum, and then learn'd by experience, how unhappy he was in following his Mothers advice against the Holy Bishop St. Ambrose.

There is a Letter extant written by Maximus to Siricius who succeeded Damasus, wherein he professeth the Orthodox Faith, wherein he was Bap∣tiz'd, and soon after Proclaim'd Emperour; and in this Letter he inveighs against the Priscillianites, whom he calls Manichces, Whose abominable Doctrines and Crimes were so Enormous, even by their own Confession, in judge∣ment, that Modesty forbids the further relation of them.

Theodosius sollicited by Valentinian, whose Sister Galla he had Married, came with an Army into the West, preparing himself for the War by Earnest Prayerand Fasting; and having heard of a certain Monk in the Deserts of Aegypt, a Servant of God, who had the Spirit of Prophecy, sent to him, and receiv'd from him an assurance of Victory, which he soon ob∣tain'd against Maximus, who only wanted a good Cause; thus Conquer'd he was brought before Theodosius, who had a mind to pitty him, to pre∣vent which, the Soldiers remov'd him from the Emperour's Presence, and slew him, and so expiated the death of the Innocent Gratian, whom his Son Victor soon follow'd to the Grave, after he had been made Caesar.

It will afford us a clear prospect of the judgement and practice of the Antient Church, if somewhat be shortly related from the Mouth and Pen of St. Augustine, which happen'd about two years before he was Conver∣ted and Baptiz'd by St. Ambrose; Who being under the severe Persecution of Justina the Arrian Empress, it pleas'd God in a Vision then to discover to that Holy Bishop, the place wherein the Bodies of the Martyrs Protasius and Gerva∣sius repos'd, and had been there preserv'd incorrupt for many years, by which dis∣covery the rage of this Empress was much restrain'd. For these Holy Bodies being with due Honour translated to the Ambrosian Church, not only many vex'd with unclean Spirits, were heal'd, but a Citizen of Milan who had been blind many years, hearing the noise and acclamations of the People, desir'd to be led to the said Church, and there obtain'd leave with his Handkercheif to touch the Coffin of those Martyrs, and wiping his Eyes with the said Hand∣kercheif, they were immediately open'd, so as he saw clearly, to the joy and astonishment of the Beholders and whole City; and although the fame hereof did nat heal the Empress fully of her Spiritual Blindness, yet it allay'd her fury against the Holy Bisohp. St. Augustine himself then at Milan gives a large testimony of these Miracles, as also doth St. Ambrose himself, who fur∣ther also declares, That the Devils themselves upon this occasion cast out, confess'd it to be done by the Power and Virtue of the Martyrs, which they were not able to resist, but to their excessive torment.

Not long after this, St. Augustine is said to have return'd to his own Country in Africk, but by the way at Ostia, to have lost his Blessed Mo∣ther Monica, of whom in his Confessions he writes, That when the day of her Dissolution was at hand, she made it her request that Commemoration should be made of her at Gods Altar, from whence she knew the Holy Sacrifice and Victim was dispens'd, and by which she hop'd to blot out the Hand-writing against her, and joyfully to Triumph over the Devil.

After the death of Maximus, Theodosius left Valentinian Emperour of the West, adding to his Government Gaul, Britain and Spain infested with Tyrants: But before he entrusted him with this great Charge, the Pious Emperour Theodosius instructed him in the Orthodox Faith, which he the more easily did, in regard Justina Valentinian's Mother, was then lately dead: The year following broke forth an Heresie, since renew'd by Luther, Justifying such as renounc'd their Monastical Profession, and approving the In∣cestuous

Embraces of Consecrated Nuns: Jovinian an Apostate Monk, was the Author of this Heresie, and publickly was declar'd an Heretick for it by Pope Siricius. St. Hierom, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine wrote against this Heresie in particular, St. Hierom terms it, Venemous Doctrine in three respects.

First, For that it affirms, Virgins, Widdows and Married Women, being Baptiz'd to be of the same merit, in case they differ not in other works.

Secondly, That those who with a compleat Faith have been Regenerated by Baptism, cannot afterwards be subverted by the Devil.

Thirdly, That there is no difference in point of Merit, between Fasting from Meats, and receiving them with Thanksgiving.

Siricius in his Epistle to the Church of Milan gives this Character of Jovinian, That he was an Imitator of the Devil, an Enemy of Chastity, a Teacher of Luxury, a hater of Abstinence, and lover of Gluttony. In opposi∣tion to which Doctrine, a Synod is assembled by the same Holy Pope, wherein is declar'd, That the Vows of Marriage are not to be disparag'd, yet greater Honour is to be attributed to the Spiritual Marriage of Virgins: That Jovinian's opinion was contrary to the Christian Law, and Tradition of the Church; and therefore Jovinian and all his Complices were condemn'd of He∣resie and Blasphemy by this Synod, and by their Sentence cast out of the Church.

And St. Ambrose in a Synodical Answer of the Church of Milan to the Pope, tells him, That those Hereticks who then fled to Milan, were avoided by all, as if they had been infected with the Plague, and thrust out of the City like Vagabonds. And St. Augustin reciting the Positions of this Heresie, con∣cludes, That Holy Church had most Fruitfully and Couragiously resisted this Monster. And in truth it was soon extinguish'd; neither doth this Heresie ever appear to have crept into this Island in those times, so precious and Venerable was Virginity, especially here, that Fasting and Abstinence were frequently us'd, and Seminaries of Chastity in great numbers Erected and Plentifully Endow'd.

The young Emperour Valentinian, after a troublesome reign of four years, was slain near I yons; before his death he desir'd Baptism, but liv'd not to obtain it. After his Death the Tyrant Eugenius invaded the Western Empire: He pretended to be a Christian, but was indeed addicted to Heathenish Superstitions; he was soon slain by Theodosius, who prepar'd himself to encounter this Tyrant; not so much by Force of Arms, as with Prayer and Fasting: He kept watch rather in the Church then the Camp, lying prostrate, in the Company both of his Priests and People, before the Monuments of the Apostles and Martyrs cover'd with Sack-cloth, and begging Divine assistance. The General employ'd in this Expedition was Stilico, call'd out of Britain, after he had freed the Country from the in∣cursions of Scots and Picts, and planted a Roman Legion to secure the Nor∣thern Borders.

The Holy young man St. Ninian before mention'd, about this time, shew'd forth the Glorious Fruits of his Pious Education under the Holy Popes Damasus and Siricius. for he then was newly Consecrated Bishop, and sent back into his own Country, to Preach the Saving Truths of Christs Gospel to the rude Nation of the Southern Picts, seated between Cumberland and the Bay of Dunbritton: This man of God in his return from Rome, was desirous to visit the Glorious Bishop St. Martin at Tours,

by whom he was Honourably receiv'd, and very much esteem'd, as a per∣son of extraordinary Sanctity, and like to prove a Happy Instrument of Salvation to many: Being dismiss'd by St. Martin, he arriv'd at the place where he design'd to settle, and there found a great concourse of People, who it seems had notice of his return, and readily receiv'd him with great Joy and Devotion, as a great Prophet. He first began to root up their ill planted Superstitions, to disperse their long gather'd wicked Customs, and to demolish their impious Idolatries; and having so purg'd their minds from Errour, he instructed them in all the Duties belonging to good Chri∣stians, and by his works and example, shew'd them a pattern of all Vir∣tue and Piety, confirming all by frequent Miracles: He chose for his seat of Episcopal residence, a place afterward call'd Witehern seated near the Sea, by which almost encompass'd, it hath only one passage to it toward the North, and as (saith Cambden) Is in the Province of the Novantes, now call'd Gal∣loway: This Episcopal Seat by the Latin Writers, is nam'd Candida Casa, or the White-house, and was here Erected by Ninianus in the time of this Theodosius. And thus as St. Bede also confirms, The Southern Picts re∣ceiv'd the true Faith by the Preaching of this Holy man.

Many years he spent in his Apostolical Office, for his death ensu'd not, till 38 years, after his first entrance: He Consecrated Bishops, ordain'd Priests dividing the Country into Parishes. More will be said of him here∣after, when his Death is to be related; observing this only by the way, that Galloway at that time belong'd to the jurisdiction of the Britains, not of the Scots.

The Labours of St. Ninianus, were no doubt much eas'd by the Arrival of another Saint, who by Divine inspiration came thither out of Achaia, bringing with him the precious Relicks of the Apostle St. Andrew. This Saint named St. Regulus, as Hector Boetius relates, Watching one night at the Monument of St. Andrew, was admonish'd from Heaven to take off the Holy Apostles Arm, three Fingers, and as many Joynts of one of his Feet, and laying them Decently in a Vessel, to carry them to the Island of Albion or Britain, seated in the Confines of the World; because in future times, there would live a People, which would give great Veneration to that Apostle, and by his Intercession receive great Graces and Benefits, both Earthly and Heavenly through the Divine goodness. In complyance with which admonition, the Holy man undertook that tedious Journey: The Report of his arrival with that Sacred Treasure, being spread through the Regions of the Picts, inflam'd the minds of many to see and venerate those Holy Relicks, Inso∣much that (as Boetius relates) the People flock'd together from all quar∣ters, bringing Gifts and Offerings to the Holy Apostle.

Hergustus or Hungas their King, invited with the fame of these things, came also to visit this Holy man Regulus, who receiv'd him with a So∣lemn Procession, in which Priests and Monks Sang Hymns and Praises to God. The King (as the same Author writes) falling Prostrate on the the ground, with great veneration kiss'd the Sacred Relicks; and when all the Holy Rites were perform'd after the Christian manner, he freely bestow'd his Royal Palace, to the Honour of St. Andrew upon Regulus and the Priests with him; and also built a Church not far from thence, Dedicated to the same Apostle, for the performance of Divine Service: This is the place, where in followiug Ages the Primates of Scotland establish'd their Arch-Episcopal See. Which place (saith Cambden) the Antients call'd Regimont, or Regulus his

Mount, where Ungus King of the Picts built the principal Church of his King∣dom, call'd to this day St. Andrews.

Boetius describes the Ornaments, with which this Pious King Enrich'd this his new built Church, viz. Pattens, Copes, Chalices, Basons, Lavers, &c. fram'd of Silver and Gold: Some modern Writers question the Truth of this Story, out of an aversion perhaps to Sacred Relicks; However Pope Boniface the VIII. in an Epistle to Edward the I. writes plainly thus, Your Royal Highness may please to understand, that the Kingdom of Scotland was Converted to the Ʋnity of the Catholick Faith by the venerable Relicks of St. Andrew the Apostle: Such (saith he) was the great goodness of Almighty God. The Picts call'd the Priests which came with St. Regulus Coldei or Colidei, Worshipers of God; To these others from among the Picts and Britains joyn'd themselves, leading a Solitary life; With such fame of their Sanctity (saith Buchanan) that being dead, their Cells were Converted to Churches: Although in Truth, if we speak of the prime Original of these Coldei, they began in the times of Persecution under Dioclesian. The Gests of this St. Regulus are Celebrated in the English Martyrology, which some mistake only as to the time of his death.

In the year of Grace 395. the Glorious Emperour Theodosius dy'd, for whose Soul St. Ambrose Devoutly Pray'd, the Prince Honorius assisting at the Altar. He left the Eastern Regions to his Eldest Son Arcadius, the Western to his youngest Honorius of tender years, under the Tuition of Stilico, whose Daughter he had Married; Stilico not content with this Honour, attempted to Establish his own Son, and to that end permitted Barbarous Nations to waste the Empire, which were at last the ruine of it.

In the IV. year of Honorius, Pope Siricius dy'd, to whom succeeded Anastasius, Aman (saith St. Hierom) of rich Poverty and Apostolick Solici∣tude; He mainly oppos'd the Error of Origen, then creeping into Rome, and made an Edict, directed especially to the Vicar of Britain, That al∣though he utterly forbad the Offering of Pagan Sacrifices, yet his pleasure was, that the Ornaments of publick Works, though representing Pagan Superstiti∣tions, should be preserv'd. This Island at this time, seems to sit at ease; secur'd from the Violence of its Northern Enemies by a Roman Legion quarter'd in the Borders, and govern'd by Marcus a Roman General, sent thither by Honorius: The Poet Claudian in his Panegyrick to Stilico, gives testimony of this then Peaceable estate.

But alas this Calm lasted but a little while, for the Troubles arising in Italy, occasion'd the Forces which defended Britain to be call'd home; and these troubles were caus'd by the Invasion of Alaricus King of the Gothes, to which Stilico gave some stop, vanquishing the Gothes in a Battle to their utter ruine; if Stilico to promote his Ambitions designs, had not permit∣ted them to retire back into Pannonia, that he might continue in possession of the Emperour's Forces: And indeed upon a second Invasion of these Barbarous Enemies, another Battle was fought by Stilico, who once more overcame them; and to this Battle the Roman Legions which defended Brittain were drawn from thence.

About these times Pope Anastasius dying, Innocentius first of that Name succeeded, a sincere oppugner of Pelagianism; the founder of which He∣resie, Pelagius is said to be Born in Britain, and therefore term'd the Bri∣tish Serpent, St. Hierom takes him to be a Scot, others affirm him to be Abbot of the famous Monastery of Bangor, where 201 Monks, got their

Living by the Labour of their Hands. Certain it is he was a Monk, for St. Augustine tells us, This Heresie was not invented by Bishops or Priests, but by a Monk; And as St. Isidore assures us, By a stupid vain stragling Monk, In∣corrigible, smelling Feasts, and Fawning on Magistrates for their good Cheer, having taken up his Graceless Heresie, in his Old and almost doting Age: He taught, that man might be sav'd by his Merits without Grace. That every one is directed by his own Natural free-will to the attaining of Justice; That Infants are born without Original sin, and as Innocent as Adam before his Fall; that they are Baptiz'd, not that they should be free from sin, but that by Adoption, they may be admitted into the Kingdom of God; and that although they were not Baptiz'd, yet they should enjoy an Eternal and Happy Life, though excluded from the Kingdom of God.

These Heresies began to appear in publick about the years 404, and 405. notice thereof being taken by Pope Innocentius: Pelagius prepar'd a Letter of Purgation, presented to Zosimus Successor of Innocentius: His Doctrines being every where reprov'd, he Appeal'd to the Judgement of a Lawful Synod, but one of the Bishops appointed to Accuse him falling sick, and so not able to appear at Lidda, where the Synod was Assembled; Pelagius gave such Cautelous Answers to the Proposals of the Bishops there present, that he escap'd Censure, and was accounted Orthodox: Howbeit, at the same time his prime Disciple Caelestius was Condemn'd for his Heresies at Carthage, in a Synod there held; from which he Appeal'd to the Roman See, but not daring to pursue his Appeal, he fled into Asia, where by fraud he obtain'd the degree of a Priest.

These Errors were afterwards condemn'd at a Synod held at Milevis in Numidia, and both Condemnations were approv'd by Pope Innocentius, who Excommunicated as well Pelagius as Caelestius; yet so as upon their revoking their Errours, they might be restor'd to Catholick Communion: Nevertheless their Heresies still spreading, the African Bishops of both Councels, deputed St. Augustine to confute them, which Charge he per∣form'd to his great Renown.

Both these Hereticks cloak'd their Doctrines in Ambiguity of words and endeavour'd to surprize the Popes by a dissembled submission to their Judgements; but their fraud being detected, and their Tergiversations at last discover'd, Pope Zosimus again Condemn'd their Doctrine, and Ex∣communicated their Persons; which Sentence was Solemnly pronounc'd by Sixtus a Roman Priest, not long after Pope, whom the Pelagians esteem'd their Patron, but without cause.

Now this Heresie having been Proscrib'd by so many Synods, and more than once by the Roman See; the Emperour Honorius publish'd an Impe∣rial Sanction, by which he not only Banish'd Caelestius and Pelagius out of Rome, but ordain'd, That the Teachers thereof should incurre the same Punish∣ment. Notwithstanding all this care, yet inregard this so execrable an He∣resie, favour'd the Corruption of Nature, and Humane Pride, and Sen∣suality; it continu'd in many Countries, especially in Britain, so as the Churches of Gaul thought fit to send two Eminent Bishops thither.

At the same time another Infamous Heretick Vigilantius, infected Gaul also; St. Hierom would rather have him call'd Dormilantius, for that being full of an unclean Spirit, he went about to Combat against the Spirit of Christ, by teaching, That the Sepulchres of Martyrs were not to be venera∣ted, , and condemning the Devout Vigils Celebrated before the Festivals of

Gods Saints: He likewise with Jovinian, Declaim'd against Fasting, pre∣ferr'd Riches before voluntary Poverty, and Marriage before Virginity; which Errours, saith St. Jerom, Were detested by the whole Catholick World.

In the year of Grace 406. the Picts and Scots wasted the Confines of Britain; Marcus was then Governour, whom on a suddain the Army Sa∣luted Emperour; but the inconstant Soldiers finding his Incapacity, as sud∣dainly depos'd him, and chose Gratianus born in this Island: Him also within four Months they slew; which being divulg'd abroad, Scots, Nor∣wegians and Danes march'd Cross the Island, wasting all with Fire and Sword.

In this extremity the British Army proclaim'd a Soldier call'd Constan∣tine Emperour, not for merit, but the fancy of his Name, as if the pre∣sent ruines could not be repair'd but by another Constantine: Geffery of Monmouth tells another Story of the Election of this Constantine, as if he had been Brother to a King of Armorica or Little-Britain of British Ex∣tract; this indeed is little better then a meer Fiction.

For first this Constantine, as Bede witnesseth, was chosen, Ex infima Militia, out of the lowest rank of the Army.

Secondly, He directed Messengers to Honorius, to excuse himself, as compell'd by the Soldiers to accept the Title.

Howbeit this Constantine passes over into Gaul, where gathering an Army, he subdu'd all the Regions on this side the Cottian Alpes, and then accounted his possession of the Empire secure; So as he drew his Son Con∣stans out of his Monastical Solitude, and created him Caesar: He placed the seat of his Empire at Arles, planted Guards upon the River Rhine, and broke the Forces ef the Vandals and other Nations, who had wasted those Provinces: Constans prov'd successful in Spain, and for his good success there, was pronounc'd Emperour by his Father, to whom he repair'd, leaving Gerontius General in Spain; but the year following Constans was sent back into Spain, attended by Justus a famous Captain; which so offended Gerontius, that he took sides with the Barbarous Soldiers in Gaul, so as Constantine could not repress them; which caus'd both in Gaul and Britain a Revolt from the Roman dependance; although some Authors in∣sinuate, That Honorius himself by his Letters exhorted the Britains to shift for themselves: Gerontius hereupon assumes the Title of Emperour, and Invests Maximus, whom he left in Spain, with the same Purple: After∣wards he marcheth against Constantine, whom he Besieg'd at Arles.

Honorius sent an Army into those parts, upon the approach whereof, the Soldiers of Gerontius forsook him, and the remaining Spaniards attempt to kill him, setting the House on fire in which he was; whereupon having first kill'd his Wife, he kills himself. Constantine afterwards having been Besieg'd, and past hope of Relief, devests himself of the Imperial Purple, and flying for refuge to a Church, was there Consecrated a Monk, and after slain with his Son Julian in his passage to Italy: A year before whose death, Rome was sack'd by the Goths, and not only the Immense Wealth of that City, but the Ornaments of Churches also became a Prey to the Barbarous Soldiers.

About this time mention is made of Melorus a young British Martyr: He was the Son of Metianus Duke of Cornwall, dispossess'd of his Duke∣dom, and slain by Rinaldus his Brother. Melorus at his Fathers Death was not above seven years old: The Cruel Uncle to secure himself in his unlaw∣ful

possession, designes the death of the Child; a whole Synod of Bishops there Assembled intercede for the Life of it, so as the Tyrant contented himself with the cutting off the Childs Right-hand and Left-foot; in place whereof were fram'd a Hand of Silver and Foot of Brass. Melorus thus maim'd, was Educated in a Monastery of Cornwall, till he was fourteen years Old, spending his time in Reading Holy Scripture, and every day growing in Innocence, Virtue and Piety. Rinaldus at last by many Gifts and Promises, tempted the Childs Guardian to cut off his Head, which he sent to Rinaldus; the Messenger who carried it, by the just judgement of God, fell from the Castle-Wall with the Head in his Hands, and broke his own Neck. It is said, That the Childs Nurse coming to the place where the Body lay, there she saw a Vision of Angels and Heavenly Lights shining with unspeakable Brightness.

The Body was after Buried in a Decent place, but the day following found above ground; three several times it was Buried, and still the same accident happ'ned: By common advice therefore the Body was laid upon a Cart, to which were fastned too young Bulls never us'd to the yoak: These were permitted to go at liberty without any Leader, whether Gods Providence should direct them: The Bulls becoming Tame, carried the Body to a certain place, and then stood still; but the Company attending the Cart not liking the place, as not fit for the Childs Burial, us'd all means by forcing the Wheels and otherwise, to drive the Cart further, but found it so fix'd by Divine Power, that it could be no means be mov'd, and therefore giving Thanks to God, buried the Sacred Body with great Solemnity in that place: And thither many Devout people repairing, and imploring the Martyrs help and intercession in their Afflictions and Infir∣mities, have frequently with Joy obtain'd their desir'd remedy: The Head of the Martyr was carried as aforesaid to Rinaldus, who handled the same, but died miserably three days after; he being thus dead the Bishops and Clergy carried the Head and Buried it with the Body. The Coffer wherein these Sacred Relicks lay, some time after were carried through several places to Ambrosbury, and their laid upon an Altar, where the Saint and his Relicks were in a special manner Venerated, as Bishop Ʋsher affirms; This Ambrosbury is scituate in Wiltshire, not far from Winchester.

Britain not forsaking its obedience to the Roman Empire, was now go∣vern'd by Victorinus, a man grateful to the Britains, but formidable to the Picts and Scots; but he being too soon recall'd and the Roman Legion with him, the poor Britains became immediately expos'd to the Cruelty of their Barbarous Enemies. Bonifacius succeeded Zosimus in the Apostolick Chair, who is said by Prosper, To make use not only of Apostolick but of Imperial Edicts also, for the suppressing the Pelagians, the Affronters of Divine Grace. In the time of this Boniface, this Island was poison'd with their Presumptuous Doctrines, especially by Agricola the Son of a Bishop: Yet were there then several Bishops full of Piety and Learning, who oppos'd this Heresie, the most Famous whereof, was Fastidius Priscus Archbishop of London, a man skilful in Holy Scriptures, and a zealous Preacher of Divine Truth, Illustri∣ous in Holy Conversation, and Famous for his Sharpness of Judgement and Elocution; it is not certain when he dy'd, or when it was that Voadinus succeeded him in that Bishoprick.

As Britain was now infected with the Suggestions of Hereticks, so was it infested with the Incursions of the Scots, Picts and Norwegians: In which

necessity saith Gildas, The poor Britains sent humble Petitions to Rome for assistance, vowing their Eternal subjection to the Roman Empire, so as their Cruel Enemies might be repell'd: In complyance with which Request, a Legion well Supply'd was sent, which soon drove the Barbarous Nations out of the Bor∣ders, and freed the Britains from vexation and slavery: Who the Roman General was under whom this Victory was gain'd is not mention'd; pro∣bably it was Chrysanthus the Son of Marcianus, afterwards Bishop of Con∣stantinople, as Socrates seems to intimate: Whoever was General, both he and the Legion were soon recall'd; But before their departure (saith Gildas) they gave order to the Britains to raise a Wall between the two Seas Glotta and Bodotria, to restrain the Enemies and defend Themselves: It began to∣ward the West, about two Miles from a Monastery call'd Aebercurnig, in a place nam'd in British Penvahel, or Penvelton, and going East∣ward it endeth near the City of Aciluth; from this word Penvahel, Cambden infers, that the Picts were a British Nation, for in Welch at this day Pengual signifies, The Head of a Rampire: But so useless was this ill built Wall most part of Turfe, that before it was finish'd the Scots and Picts broke in again, as Gildas observes, Like ravenous Woolves enrag'd with hunger, on all sides encompassing the Sheep-fold in the absence of the Shep∣herd; so they with Oares and Full-blown Sails invaded the Island, broke into the Borders, and laid all waste in their way, mowing down and treading under∣foot the wretched Britains like ripe Corn.

They therefore again send Messengers in a deplorable manner, with rent Garment and Ashes on their Heads, to implore Aide from the Romans; endeavouring like fearful Chickens to shrowd themselves under their Mo∣thers Wings: They earnestly beg the rescue of their miserable Country, and the freeing the Roman Name from the contempt of Foraign Nations: This woeful Petition was address'd to the Famous Roman General Aetius Prae∣fect of Gaul, under whom Britain was also subject: He mov'd with Pity sent Forces under the Conduct of Gallio a Citizen in Ravenna, who once more Conquer'd the Enemies; but having done this, declares the Em∣perours pleasure to the Britains, That for the future they must rely upon their own strength, and expect no more assistance from Rome; which at so great a distance, and amidst so many Distractions, could not attend to so re∣mote a Province. He advis'd them to exercise themselves in Military Affairs, to Build Fortifications in Convenient places, especially towards the Sea, and to strengthen their Cities with Walls. This was the last Farewel of the Romans to the discourag'd Britains; however, before they went, they joyn'd with the Britains in Repairing the Wall, which they made stronger than formerly, both by publick and Private Expences.